tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35651080779515828192019-03-20T01:28:37.590-07:00Toddlin' Around TidewaterAllena Hurwitznoreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-90674807548421006742019-03-19T06:35:00.000-07:002019-03-19T06:35:15.905-07:00Toddler Tuesday Tech Edition V. 2<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ezd4kMLpU/XFT-kHUWMaI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/6FEg5qmxcE4MBadgBTHt-UbsjqSv8PhaACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.52.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ezd4kMLpU/XFT-kHUWMaI/AAAAAAAAFRQ/6FEg5qmxcE4MBadgBTHt-UbsjqSv8PhaACK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.52.07%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>Once kids understand using the mouse and the keyboard, they learn everything else on a computer super fast. Happyclicks is a website that teaches kids to use these. Basically kids can start out by playing little games that just require them to click or touch the mouse. Each game will react with a motion or sound. The next step of games is for kids to play swipe games before moving on to a section of drag and drop. You'd think that clicking and moving at the same would be simple, but for kids who are still learning how to use their fingers- it's hard! Kids can advance from there to mazes and memory games to puzzles and coloring games.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AwkQjdDn-I/XFT-TlspneI/AAAAAAAAFRE/JRETXujUvRgtkVo__G6hRZCQ7CzEnyFIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/happy-header-menu-850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="57" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AwkQjdDn-I/XFT-TlspneI/AAAAAAAAFRE/JRETXujUvRgtkVo__G6hRZCQ7CzEnyFIQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/happy-header-menu-850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezIzC9zIduU/XFT-1reKQqI/AAAAAAAAFRk/SkKlGD88jeciTOsBi0_EQmApwVWRGD7ewCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.54.10%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezIzC9zIduU/XFT-1reKQqI/AAAAAAAAFRk/SkKlGD88jeciTOsBi0_EQmApwVWRGD7ewCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.54.10%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Let me be clear. This site is not a pretty, state of the art, song and dance type site. It is bare bones. But I like it because of that. Not many sites are directly specifically to young toddlers, but this one is. RT still struggles with the difference between a computer and an iPad, so he sometimes tries to use the monitor as a touch screen. They do have an app called Maui Mini, but I like that RT is learning some computer skills by playing on the computer. It's nice to have a supply of mom tools in your toolbox for times when we need a distraction, have a rainy day, or just need some down time.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyO4O8qXk98/XFT-leNKe3I/AAAAAAAAFRY/c8lUuJ7u9kEQQB47s4qaRMlIqpmiuCbsQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.53.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyO4O8qXk98/XFT-leNKe3I/AAAAAAAAFRY/c8lUuJ7u9kEQQB47s4qaRMlIqpmiuCbsQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-01%2Bat%2B8.53.30%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-22922019192592580382019-03-10T06:40:00.002-07:002019-03-10T06:41:30.322-07:00She Works Hard for the Mommy v. 6<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> 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mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} span.5yl5 {mso-style-name:_5yl5; mso-style-unhide:no;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIT0WILhQFk/XIUR-JCAYYI/AAAAAAAAFaY/JKr8d50rpzkgCoADYPeKaeRi7RzLlQq5ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/29982982_10214648692587579_6154451306714273926_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hIT0WILhQFk/XIUR-JCAYYI/AAAAAAAAFaY/JKr8d50rpzkgCoADYPeKaeRi7RzLlQq5ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/29982982_10214648692587579_6154451306714273926_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m Caitlin; wife to Matt (a helicopter pilot in the Navy), mom to Grace (9), Anderson (7) and Lucy (4), and owner and instructor at FIT4MOM Norfolk.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCQ6q5GGg4U/XIUSK4pbLGI/AAAAAAAAFag/CvnH0Kjfc2Adr300KgIZNAFLU82RcTbrACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/42689806_10215917226900144_9071142444375998464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCQ6q5GGg4U/XIUSK4pbLGI/AAAAAAAAFag/CvnH0Kjfc2Adr300KgIZNAFLU82RcTbrACK4BGAYYCw/s400/42689806_10215917226900144_9071142444375998464_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Shortly after we moved to Norfolk 10 years ago, I had our daughter, Grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We had moved to a town where I knew a few friends, but we were starting in a new city in a new neighborhood with a new baby girl while I worked remotely from home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>So, when a friend asked if I wanted to try Stroller Strides, I thought it would be a good way to meet other moms in the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Looking back, it’s easy to see that it was one of the best decisions I made as a mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Not only was it a great workout (I was a distance runner until this point and never did any sort of strength training), but I quickly met some of my closest friends to this day and it has set a wonderful example of the importance of fitness (and friendship) for our kids.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw_AtM3fVjg/XIUSYf3GSgI/AAAAAAAAFas/L8XvgKqN0NgYNNeF3ybiawBUNpMddr0JACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/37289220_10215355834625688_8823954779999830016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jw_AtM3fVjg/XIUSYf3GSgI/AAAAAAAAFas/L8XvgKqN0NgYNNeF3ybiawBUNpMddr0JACK4BGAYYCw/s400/37289220_10215355834625688_8823954779999830016_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Fast forward to a year and a half later and we had our second baby, Andy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>The Stroller Strides community was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>They delivered meals and we were fed for months (literally!) and the support I felt was incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I began teaching Stroller Strides classes when Andy was 4 months old and was empowered and strengthened by the other moms in the group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I would leave each class feeling energized and happy (which is saying a lot when you have two kids under two with you!).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Then we moved to San Diego where we had our little Lucy, then to Maryland, and back to Norfolk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>When we moved back, I was ecstatic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>We were moving back to a city where I still had close friends and FIT4MOM was there to welcome me once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>A friend planted a seed about the opportunity to lead this group of mamas and after some thought, I quickly decided to go for it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>That was 10 months ago and what a blast it’s been!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">I honestly wake up every morning excited about the FIT4MOM village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I LOVE my job!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love that it’s a way I can combine my love for my family, friends, and fitness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love seeing other moms benefit from our classes the same way I have for the past 9 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love being a part of the local community in this capacity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love that the kids create their own Stroller Strides and Body Back workouts at home and that they themselves love fitness too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HJ87hH_pQ0/XIUSv_TnK2I/AAAAAAAAFbI/Aecac3DFQKs2Oz6fhfL_ASdPP18iQy23gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/32293628_10214888705667756_3974401433926631424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HJ87hH_pQ0/XIUSv_TnK2I/AAAAAAAAFbI/Aecac3DFQKs2Oz6fhfL_ASdPP18iQy23gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/32293628_10214888705667756_3974401433926631424_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">How do I balance being a mom and working?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It helps that I can teach with Lucy in the stroller or bring Andy to the park to play with friends while we have class over the summer or have Grace participate in Run Club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I find myself doing the majority of the organizational work while Lucy’s napping and late at night when the kids are in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>It’s a lot of early mornings and late nights, but I truly feel rewarded and honored to be a part of this village when I see the sense of community it gives our moms.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol9RSYpDero/XIUTBfr3i3I/AAAAAAAAFbU/HHHHdlu8WOUerIYQVdgD-a14yAQj8KskQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/30420510_10211323048063269_1533318247077204698_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ol9RSYpDero/XIUTBfr3i3I/AAAAAAAAFbU/HHHHdlu8WOUerIYQVdgD-a14yAQj8KskQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/30420510_10211323048063269_1533318247077204698_o.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">My biggest challenge is balancing family time and FIT4MOM time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I want to be present with my kids during the time I have with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I truly feel like I blinked and now have a 9 year old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I don’t want to miss any of the time I have with these sweet (well, most of the time they’re sweet) kiddos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I love what I do so I find it easy to pour myself into emails and teaching and organizing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>My goal is always to find time for a few date nights a month with Matt, one on one time (and family time) with the kids, and time where I can just focus on FIT4MOM. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVn4rnoz0FU/XIUSdDwpe6I/AAAAAAAAFa4/rx6Jbmi0kmstdBKGhjPsQ778BU5HhNCWQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/40337778_10215698269986358_1241115715977609216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JVn4rnoz0FU/XIUSdDwpe6I/AAAAAAAAFa4/rx6Jbmi0kmstdBKGhjPsQ778BU5HhNCWQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/40337778_10215698269986358_1241115715977609216_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">My absolute favorite thing about this job is watching two moms connect in class and smiling to myself, hoping they are finding some of their greatest and most meaningful relationships in that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>I hope my kids find the same friendship and happiness I have through FIT4MOM and reap the rewards of physical activity – the same rewards I’ve enjoyed over the past 9 years!</span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><br /></span></span><span class="5yl5"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">Thanks Caitlin! Check out my posts on <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/04/fit4baby.html">Fit4Baby</a>, <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/02/stroller-strides.html">Stroller Strides</a>, and <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/06/fit4mom-8-week-transformation.html">Body Back 8 week transformation.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;The first class is always free, let me know if you're interested in trying one!<br /><br />If you're interested in being featured in She Works Hard for the Mommy, contact me! :)&nbsp;</span></span></div><!--EndFragment--><br />Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-82824590474794995852019-03-05T07:58:00.003-08:002019-03-05T07:58:25.838-08:00Toddler Tuesday Tech Edition v.1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1rCAMr5FBY/W5Jdyiu67YI/AAAAAAAAEfc/UXrzsTXt9XQbDRZV8vELmb5xrH430mPfwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k1rCAMr5FBY/W5Jdyiu67YI/AAAAAAAAEfc/UXrzsTXt9XQbDRZV8vELmb5xrH430mPfwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/download.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's March. It's cold. It's rainy. It's hard sometimes to get outside. So this month, every Tuesday I'll be sharing a website or app for Tech Tuesday that you can use with your toddler. I'm really excited for today's&nbsp; post. This is a website that I use regularly in my classroom and it's awesome for home use too. It is totally FREE and awesome! So while this one isn't a fully educational website, it does have counting and songs to promote literacy. They also have science and social studies, health, and even a Spanish section. There are videos on enhancing focus, managing stress, and even building compassion. Most of the site though, just encourages to get up and MOVE.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/I91Ox3acemQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I91Ox3acemQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kids or parents can pick either by the type of movement- balance, locomotor skills, coordination, fine motor, gross motor, cross lateral, and so on, or by the type of video. The videos include guided dance, yoga, stretches, workouts, brainercise and more. There is also a section called "indoor recess" that is a mega mix of it all!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for go noodle" class="irc_mi" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90Q7NP5PTBE/WyMAF_vt-XI/AAAAAAABWuA/vepOqc_NyOItKJs4HiKMG73guDx_Qu7pQCLcBGAs/s400/camp%2Bgo%2Bnoodle.PNG" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you head over to the channels section, you'll see Zumba Kids, KooKoo Kangaroo, Kids Bop, and MooseTube which are the favorites for us. In the video above the guys dancing singing Popsico is KooKoo Kangaroo, and this song will forever be a reminder of three (former) third grade boys who I love. I can see them doing the dance in my head whenever I hear it! This is great for little guys, even if they are at home in their living room and not in a classroom.&nbsp;<b>Get ready, to get sweaty!&nbsp;</b></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-12220624292344344022019-03-04T05:02:00.000-08:002019-03-04T09:05:12.679-08:00Silver and Gold<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a546bb4xfnM/XHxpgipvHiI/AAAAAAAAFYg/1CwGOTdDkFcQHu-nEpt8z8F3pf8VbSlIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/53264950_10157279104074524_3244211776190939136_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a546bb4xfnM/XHxpgipvHiI/AAAAAAAAFYg/1CwGOTdDkFcQHu-nEpt8z8F3pf8VbSlIQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/53264950_10157279104074524_3244211776190939136_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>If you're a girl scout, you've likely heard the saying "make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other is gold",&nbsp; and while I have made some amazing and awesome life long friends since college, there is something special about knowing someone for your whole life. They have seen all of the awkward and embarrassing parts of growing up. They know the boys you crushed on, you've shared your fears and dreams, and in my case, got into some trouble. My friend Jessica and I have been friends since we were six months old. We went to the same babysitter, and then the same preschool. My family moved and we went to different elementary schools, but stayed friends and went to the same summer camps. (We won't talk about the time her mom locked the keys out of the car with it running in one of the camp parking lots when it was hot as hell outside!) I even had my first sleepover at her house at three and cried in the middle of the night causing my mom to come get me.&nbsp; Lucky for us, we were back together for middle and high school, attending our first Warped Tour together, so many sleepovers, random trips to the mall and Busch Gardens, and having my dad pretend to be her legal guardian when he got a call from us and a police officer, which we will blame on THIS boy below- who happens to be a regular blog reader!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFGn2BgtFt4/XHxpJ3X5EwI/AAAAAAAAFYU/CLwTncPi26wSNQZRoOqYpB51gnWiKKpdgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/207862_1006408371653_870_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WFGn2BgtFt4/XHxpJ3X5EwI/AAAAAAAAFYU/CLwTncPi26wSNQZRoOqYpB51gnWiKKpdgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/207862_1006408371653_870_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HCyXYyrC3Y/XHxpuWzqtcI/AAAAAAAAFZA/db18Wd-EvewtWjCYLgPezD5ciewqRiLHgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Picture%2B023.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1HCyXYyrC3Y/XHxpuWzqtcI/AAAAAAAAFZA/db18Wd-EvewtWjCYLgPezD5ciewqRiLHgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Picture%2B023.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6ONPstVIZ4/XHxp8M4zLEI/AAAAAAAAFZc/HSTLhblYfFkh2DO8C2KRKKUkatmBB3a3wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/22789024_10155934713629524_1384954585312325720_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W6ONPstVIZ4/XHxp8M4zLEI/AAAAAAAAFZc/HSTLhblYfFkh2DO8C2KRKKUkatmBB3a3wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/22789024_10155934713629524_1384954585312325720_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We were lucky enough to see each other get married, and she has been part of RT's life since the very beginning. Now, we are lucky enough to be pregnant together, and I'm getting to see her become a mama. RT and I spent the weekend in Raleigh, at Jessica's baby shower surrounded by friends who are near and dear to my heart- even if we don't see each other often. (If you missed our posts on Raleigh, check out our reviews of their awesome <a href="https://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/10/far-away-friday-raleigh-nc.html">children's museum</a>, <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/11/far-away-friday-raleigh-part-2.html?fbclid=IwAR05Wt_F4H-3aQA7v9_0z5qCcEj8IuuzOjFlyTqnV3aUnRE0Scdj297-Cpc">Pullen Park</a>, and their <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/10/far-away-friday-raleigh-part-3.html">science museum</a>. We repeated most of these stops this trip because we loved them so much!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-G7IUpXeBw/XHxrls88oqI/AAAAAAAAFZw/Hqyk-gMh0KcVSREYYWR3PmqH4aY-8lU3QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/53561726_10157279103549524_6173910884071505920_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-G7IUpXeBw/XHxrls88oqI/AAAAAAAAFZw/Hqyk-gMh0KcVSREYYWR3PmqH4aY-8lU3QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/53561726_10157279103549524_6173910884071505920_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8lealh-vs/XHxpmoduePI/AAAAAAAAFYw/KdjjxD9U16QNYfJA_UgqaSNuNWw2u7p2ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WM8lealh-vs/XHxpmoduePI/AAAAAAAAFYw/KdjjxD9U16QNYfJA_UgqaSNuNWw2u7p2ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_5215.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAk3vapo8s/XHxslp25VxI/AAAAAAAAFaE/ogYNFp2743MgDQxMHgX2aQ0G2x13P54MACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3491.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiAk3vapo8s/XHxslp25VxI/AAAAAAAAFaE/ogYNFp2743MgDQxMHgX2aQ0G2x13P54MACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_3491.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAjyw8lIsp0/XHxp1NbNuVI/AAAAAAAAFZM/xk6-YcDlEzEl6ld1MJmIoff8dkor90gYQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4054.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jAjyw8lIsp0/XHxp1NbNuVI/AAAAAAAAFZM/xk6-YcDlEzEl6ld1MJmIoff8dkor90gYQCK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_4054.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There is something so special about getting to see one of your forever friends grow into a mama. I've gotten to do this twice now, once for each pregnancy. My friend Cayte I've known since I was two, and her son and RT are buddies now. Having so many awesome mamas friends, new and old, has made my journey so much easier and so much fun. These are girls who know my family, my soul, my hopes and dreams, and to see us all project that into motherhood is something really special.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRNoo4w9r88/XHxscnZNjXI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/doKTXWpxM0MnXpF-pmPjRdgE_rPxci_oQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/49766437_10213593282487868_572263147621056512_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRNoo4w9r88/XHxscnZNjXI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/doKTXWpxM0MnXpF-pmPjRdgE_rPxci_oQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/49766437_10213593282487868_572263147621056512_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My new friends are ones that I love dearly too. I'm so glad to have both the silver AND the gold. In my world, the best is when my village mixes all together.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/3hk1pufN9SfVllWZJ2JEMe" width="300"></iframe><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-6131425958622162362019-02-24T17:46:00.000-08:002019-02-25T09:06:56.176-08:00Ride the Tide<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4OhKJJvM0o/XHM290PqdyI/AAAAAAAAFXY/sMkgvGiJVHs6UNTKD_9wVLl2I3UqCfXhwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2211.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i4OhKJJvM0o/XHM290PqdyI/AAAAAAAAFXY/sMkgvGiJVHs6UNTKD_9wVLl2I3UqCfXhwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2211.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>What is there to do on a rainy day? Ride on a train of course! It's no secret that RT loves trains, and he always gets excited when the Tide goes by, but we had never actually ridden it. So we loaded up our raincoats and headed to a stop yesterday.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shOdUwsHFuw/XHM29q_tULI/AAAAAAAAFXU/6RgVqKR28hcasmP5S_elGdiA9AkEAAGggCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2213.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shOdUwsHFuw/XHM29q_tULI/AAAAAAAAFXU/6RgVqKR28hcasmP5S_elGdiA9AkEAAGggCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2213.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The Tide is 7.4 miles and connects from Newtown Road to EVMS. It stops at Harbor Park, Norfolk State, and the mall too. You can leave your car the stops, grab your tickets from the machine with cash or card and jump on. Kids don't need a ticket, and an adult single ride is $2.00. If you plan on get on and off, the all day pass of $4.50 might be the way to go for you. (As a note, there is no regular person or machine to take your tickets, but they regularly randomly ask passengers for their tickets and the fine is $250.00 a person. Spend the 2 bucks and grab a ticket!)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEIsVsdw7bU/XHNIvp-hjwI/AAAAAAAAFYA/hREUYMUBxQIsBnasW1vFmUmoqOxph3rggCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-24%2Bat%2B8.44.48%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sEIsVsdw7bU/XHNIvp-hjwI/AAAAAAAAFYA/hREUYMUBxQIsBnasW1vFmUmoqOxph3rggCK4BGAYYCw/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-24%2Bat%2B8.44.48%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uig3LSNPF4E/XHM2_ntKLrI/AAAAAAAAFXg/fDYLNo0TN9QDnGhIv2SawKvyX-kB6XkcgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2208.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uig3LSNPF4E/XHM2_ntKLrI/AAAAAAAAFXg/fDYLNo0TN9QDnGhIv2SawKvyX-kB6XkcgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2208.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I know that Virginia Beach has been really against the Tide coming, but we loved it. I wish it went to the airport, ODU, and the navy base in Norfolk, but I would also love it to go to town center and the ocean front.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oe9BHtaE5XA/XHM3EO0ctNI/AAAAAAAAFXo/ly-uuwM4dPY8fIGfuoioUua-YVLN6Y1UACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2206.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oe9BHtaE5XA/XHM3EO0ctNI/AAAAAAAAFXo/ly-uuwM4dPY8fIGfuoioUua-YVLN6Y1UACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2206.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the record, RT has asked me nonstop to go back to the train station. Even when I put him down last night, all he would say was that he wanted to ride the train again. Guess we will be back sooner rather than later!&nbsp;</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2yEvbLwLpEq4Z5yhyQLI0q" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-79044152991950992982019-02-20T14:24:00.002-08:002019-02-20T14:24:20.621-08:00Rainy Day Links v.2Is there more of a rainy day than today.. and apparently the rest of this week?! Rainy days are great when you're a young adult, free of responsibility, and you can binge watch Netflix and read all day. But sometimes as a mom they are hard! Here's some links to help you pass the time!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uifKRKiQATY/W5xCG9NpRpI/AAAAAAAAEkE/2llFX6JENao27nc7Xvvu05GmXgDcdkLBwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/4th-grade-pass-national-park.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uifKRKiQATY/W5xCG9NpRpI/AAAAAAAAEkE/2llFX6JENao27nc7Xvvu05GmXgDcdkLBwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/4th-grade-pass-national-park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hip2save.com/2018/04/09/free-1-year-national-parks-membership-for-families-with-4th-graders-2/">Here's the info on the free National Park Membership for 4th Graders</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.scarymommy.com/motherhood-invisible-workload/?utm_source=FBOnsite">The Invisible Workload of Motherhood is Killing Me </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://offbeathome.com/harry-potter-pregnancy-announcement/"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://offbeathome.com/harry-potter-pregnancy-announcement/">A Harry Potter Pregnancy Announcement&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOUQo0kJ9vk/W5xCcw4bj2I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/mWzS8Q3SJVYpapltmQpXkUdG4st6OpntQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/4-ingredient-peanut-butter-cup-protein-bars2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOUQo0kJ9vk/W5xCcw4bj2I/AAAAAAAAEkQ/mWzS8Q3SJVYpapltmQpXkUdG4st6OpntQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/4-ingredient-peanut-butter-cup-protein-bars2.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Omg- <a href="https://thebigmansworld.com/2018/01/08/no-bake-peanut-butter-protein-bars-keto-sugar-free-vegan/">THESE</a> look awesome!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Why-I-Love-My-Mom-Tribe-44767760?utm_source=merci&amp;utm_medium=Instagram&amp;utm_campaign=Mom_Tribe&amp;utm_content=Brand_Traffic#photo-44767763"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.popsugar.com/moms/Why-I-Love-My-Mom-Tribe-44767760?utm_source=merci&amp;utm_medium=Instagram&amp;utm_campaign=Mom_Tribe&amp;utm_content=Brand_Traffic#photo-44767763">An Open Letter to the Mom Tribe I Can't Live Without</a>- this! THIS, THIS, THIS! I could not have survived this last year without my mom tribe! I love you ladies!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">and finally... <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2018/04/doing-dishes-is-the-worst/557087/?utm_source=atlfb">Doing Dishes Is The Worst</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwI4mE-t-y0/XG3TgyiJa_I/AAAAAAAAFWI/Llua04VxLBQGq7TfCHmm3daw1TN-jlPUwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/51781260_10219086689784007_5872665163580047360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QwI4mE-t-y0/XG3TgyiJa_I/AAAAAAAAFWI/Llua04VxLBQGq7TfCHmm3daw1TN-jlPUwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/51781260_10219086689784007_5872665163580047360_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you follow me on IG, you've seen that we started swim lessons last week. I'm excited to start and I'll share a review once we get further into it, because lord knows this weather isn't fun for romping around outside. Things have been quiet, but busy around here. If you haven't heard, we will be helping with the craft at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/540711396433885/">Norfolk Mermaid Hunt</a> on March 24th, and can't wait to see all of the pictures that come of it! It's a fundraiser for Team Hurwitz for Pancreatic Cancer Research, and will be held at the Mermaid Winery. If you haven't already, sign up! The first 75 people who sign up receive a goodie bag, and slots are filling up!&nbsp;</div></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-91519739120667538832019-02-13T18:32:00.000-08:002019-02-14T14:27:59.190-08:00Why Punk Rock is Good For Kids <div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This summer there will be an empty hole in the hearts of many young kids and former punks as it's the first summer without a nationwide Warped Tour. Warped Tour helped form the person I am. I found my taste in music, clothes, friends, views on politics, even the food that I eat. This year the closest it is coming to me is New Jersey, and it's on my due date. Somehow I don't think I'll be standing for hours in a parking lot, six hours away, in the sweltering heat with thousands of like minded people trying to get close to the stage... even though I'd love to! Even without Warped, punk rock is good for kids... and here's why:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; font-size: 18px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCArOAtPCWw/Wvmk9iE8IrI/AAAAAAAADFk/ZelEm7riXBgG8hepmPcS72Di0OQ1FGoqACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/tumblr_mamnl4hnvD1qcqpndo1_500_large-3456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCArOAtPCWw/Wvmk9iE8IrI/AAAAAAAADFk/ZelEm7riXBgG8hepmPcS72Di0OQ1FGoqACK4BGAYYCw/s400/tumblr_mamnl4hnvD1qcqpndo1_500_large-3456.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">01. It teaches kids to stand up for what they believe in. Punk may be about speaking up against injustice and wrong doing in the government, for animal welfare, or human rights, but kids can incorporate this into their daily lives too. Bully on the playground? One kid taking all the toys? Stand up to him for yourself, or for your friends. A kid hitting a cat? Earth Crisis sure has some opinions about that.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND2XZPoeSoY/WvmmOaPlkGI/AAAAAAAADGg/EBZXneuTMRUsgz-m76NKGIwDh_ALLujswCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/19-kid-friendly-rock-songs-that-dont-suck-2-11122-1433258348-8_dblbig.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND2XZPoeSoY/WvmmOaPlkGI/AAAAAAAADGg/EBZXneuTMRUsgz-m76NKGIwDh_ALLujswCK4BGAYYCw/s400/19-kid-friendly-rock-songs-that-dont-suck-2-11122-1433258348-8_dblbig.jpg" width="400" /></span></a><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 18px;"><i>"What's your plan for tomorrow?</i></span><i>Are you a leader or will you follow?</i><i>Are you a fighter or will you cower?</i><i>It's our time to take back the power" - The Interrupters&nbsp;</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">02. In punk rock, everyone is accepted. Individuality is embraced and celebrated. I'm reminded of this as I see the "Smash the alt right" shirts, the "Make Racists Scared Again" hats and the rainbow flags at punk shows.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB8QoBeTgLw/WvmlPyt97BI/AAAAAAAADF4/Mshgx3Bj700lxRgCruhlVjyxPlQ5FBDnwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FB8QoBeTgLw/WvmlPyt97BI/AAAAAAAADF4/Mshgx3Bj700lxRgCruhlVjyxPlQ5FBDnwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;roboto&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><i>"We live our life in our own way</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;roboto&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: left;"><i>Never really listened to what they say"- Bouncing Souls</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">03. It teaches you to get back up and try again. How many kids have had a punk rock band that didn't make it big? 99 percent. Most bands live and die in a garage or storage unit. It isn't about that. Even in a mosh pit where kids are slamming each other, if someone falls down they are picked up immediately and keep going.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYHkZIpdF2c/WvmlCDGoeVI/AAAAAAAADFs/CiNOiGJwRnk4uYIdcsbImm0iazS0IzgxgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Newborn-Boys-Girls-Baby-Clothes-Sets-Jumpers-Toddler-Fall-Skull-Print-Baby-punk-rock-Harlan-Pants.jpg_640x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYHkZIpdF2c/WvmlCDGoeVI/AAAAAAAADFs/CiNOiGJwRnk4uYIdcsbImm0iazS0IzgxgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Newborn-Boys-Girls-Baby-Clothes-Sets-Jumpers-Toddler-Fall-Skull-Print-Baby-punk-rock-Harlan-Pants.jpg_640x640.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">04. They support one another. Like I said above, a mosh pit can actually be one of the most supportive and friendly places, despite what onlookers may think. The goal is to keep everyone safe and have fun. Crowd surfers are literally depending on their punk rock family, many of whom they have never met, to support them. It's a family, even if you haven't met.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4t6znJ_7nuA/WvmlU7FWYeI/AAAAAAAADGE/azg0lHe_yCA7p4pZlfArSv9DczKneOG_gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4t6znJ_7nuA/WvmlU7FWYeI/AAAAAAAADGE/azg0lHe_yCA7p4pZlfArSv9DczKneOG_gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />"No reason why- to beat up on the poser skin, no reason why- to keep the little kid's from getting in, No reason why- to take advantage of the people you know, no reason why- there's just no reason why" Gorilla Biscuits<br /><br /></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">05. It teaches them about music. Punk consists of lots of styles thrown together. Ska has horns, trombones, and saxophones. There are keyboards, drums, guitars, bass, plus a range of all different kinds of singing. It encourages kids to want to pick up an instrument and play, something that has been linked to higher test scores. It also shows them that whatever you play can be cool if you put your own spin on it. Violin in a punk band? Yup.</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHghW6xbr_E/WvmlmSwUrkI/AAAAAAAADGU/27x7cNsHGCsjO27c2o2Tp0W9XwkTiLf5ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/kids-tshirt-punk-rock-is-not-for-sale-keep-business-out-of-punk-d0012916816.png" imageanchor="1"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHghW6xbr_E/WvmlmSwUrkI/AAAAAAAADGU/27x7cNsHGCsjO27c2o2Tp0W9XwkTiLf5ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/kids-tshirt-punk-rock-is-not-for-sale-keep-business-out-of-punk-d0012916816.png" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;">06. It teaches kids that if they want something done, they have to do it themselves. Way back before the internet, facebook, and blogs, there were zines. Zines were put together by kids who wanted a source of alternative communication that shared ideas. Kids in the punk scene make their own clothes, stud their own jackets, sew their own patches, record their own music, and make things themselves. Why DIY it? Because you don't want to support big corporations, big record labels, and big businesses that sell their soul to the man. Not always relevant to the real world, but wouldn't it be nice if everything could be this way?</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: &quot;georgia&quot; , &quot;times new roman&quot; , serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/3YXMUjypaM55DwwnH0yqOV" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-71812514769628841482019-02-10T06:24:00.002-08:002019-02-10T10:35:33.178-08:00TCC Planetarium <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0golvO5dnA/XF-NMqTMD-I/AAAAAAAAFUI/OatQ18XOn-stcde57o1rXc3kJNlhzxS-wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/vb-planetarium.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0golvO5dnA/XF-NMqTMD-I/AAAAAAAAFUI/OatQ18XOn-stcde57o1rXc3kJNlhzxS-wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/vb-planetarium.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>So I totally stole this image from their website, because well.. it's hard to get pictures inside a dark planetarium without ruining the show for everyone else. No one wants to be <i>that </i>person, although I did snap a few before and after the show.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZSD7zRECKY/XF-RKOmvb9I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/ihpSY2HFrrseCsa9gRE_DSnMuaLkngrpQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2126.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tZSD7zRECKY/XF-RKOmvb9I/AAAAAAAAFVQ/ihpSY2HFrrseCsa9gRE_DSnMuaLkngrpQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2126.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>You may not know it, but the TCC Planetarium regularly hosts free shows open to the public. If your little one loves space, this is something you should check out. Reservations are required for the show, and you have to arrive 15 minutes prior to show time to guarantee your spot. It isn't huge but the forty foot dome has reclined seats that allow you to see everywhere across the sky.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ne4RTAG1ECI/XF-PRlWmGQI/AAAAAAAAFUg/lb8sITMs0hgQpQQ6BrNdeRYcq-3yJSfCwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2143.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ne4RTAG1ECI/XF-PRlWmGQI/AAAAAAAAFUg/lb8sITMs0hgQpQQ6BrNdeRYcq-3yJSfCwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2143.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(super sneaky during the movie picture)</div>We saw The Cardboard Rocket which was a cartoon and aimed toward kids, but the shows change. You can find upcoming shows and RSVP <a href="https://www.tcc.edu/campus-life/virginia-beach/campus-buildings/planetarium">here</a>. The next show is February 22nd, and it is about the European Southern Observatory. There are two showings, at 7:00 and 8:15.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4aMSkMTq2U/XF-PuYMz6EI/AAAAAAAAFUs/q0eH1vB0PVQpYyhf0p9badBPOT0mysCzwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L4aMSkMTq2U/XF-PuYMz6EI/AAAAAAAAFUs/q0eH1vB0PVQpYyhf0p9badBPOT0mysCzwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2123.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you arrive, be sure to check out the displays around the first floor for some animal teeth and even dinosaur fossils. When you're looking to find the building, the planetarium is marked as building I but it is actually inside of building J, the Science Building. If you are coming from the main TCC entrance, it is the last building on the loop all the way around the campus. If you're coming in from University Drive past the ODU Virginia Beach campus, it will be the first building. You can't actually see it from the parking lot, but if you see the ACT building, park and walk past it and you'll spot it!&nbsp;</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1k78MUWfHo/XF-QUsvnIAI/AAAAAAAAFU4/ie2HMTIwWJkDICQULwNjmgJ-vAjwllTtwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-09%2Bat%2B9.43.35%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h1k78MUWfHo/XF-QUsvnIAI/AAAAAAAAFU4/ie2HMTIwWJkDICQULwNjmgJ-vAjwllTtwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2019-02-09%2Bat%2B9.43.35%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O6XHcYbkRQ/XF-QVwt50TI/AAAAAAAAFVA/NiKYwfMMxB0XoX6g5poOqdnyh6OlBedhgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/tcc-science-building-virginia-beach-campus.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1O6XHcYbkRQ/XF-QVwt50TI/AAAAAAAAFVA/NiKYwfMMxB0XoX6g5poOqdnyh6OlBedhgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/tcc-science-building-virginia-beach-campus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More pictures stolen from their website, but it was too dark out to get anything good! RT has always been really interested in the moon, and he paid much more attention than I anticipated. Even as adults we learned a few things too! This is a great program for any scientist to be!&nbsp;</div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-10015037542317334662019-02-03T05:49:00.004-08:002019-02-03T05:51:42.957-08:00Brick By Brick: Lego Shipbuilding <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84kq4HkMjDI/XFZbJYNI9zI/AAAAAAAAFSY/CqdFVC6Ed7M-cU7ztgp3vi7xvqOirhhrwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-84kq4HkMjDI/XFZbJYNI9zI/AAAAAAAAFSY/CqdFVC6Ed7M-cU7ztgp3vi7xvqOirhhrwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2078.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Hampton Roads Naval Museum isn't a place that most people would associate with kids, but they actually do a lot of&nbsp;outreach for children. They host FREE in-house field trips for local schools (tell your elementary-high school kid's teacher!), and their museum is always free. They do have a small craft area in the museum, but as you might imagine the naval history of Norfolk is... well.... full of information and old artifacts. However, the museum hosts some events that are totally for kids (and adults) to explore.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq11PEOinN8/XFZb7LQSoqI/AAAAAAAAFTU/d8n22OfhGxw7fO_sWUujMoGeWadlei-5gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2063.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xq11PEOinN8/XFZb7LQSoqI/AAAAAAAAFTU/d8n22OfhGxw7fO_sWUujMoGeWadlei-5gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2063.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgV7TTnAfAQ/XFZb7APcBsI/AAAAAAAAFTc/DvfrxzDxiv8ebCsrJuLfnnRhjKk-_W99ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2065.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kgV7TTnAfAQ/XFZb7APcBsI/AAAAAAAAFTc/DvfrxzDxiv8ebCsrJuLfnnRhjKk-_W99ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2065.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday's event, Brick By Brick, had legos as simple as the duplos all the way up to as advanced as computer programed robots. Starting on the second floor of the Decker Half Moone Cruise Terminal, you walked through displays of intricate lego builds towards tables marked easy, medium, hard, and advanced. Upstairs there was also a sensory room for any kids with alternative needs. Heading downstairs (where <a href="https://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2017/12/charles-dickens-christmas-towne.html?m=1">Charles Dickens' Christmas Towne</a> is held) toward the free play area, the areas were separated by age and size of legos. They also had crafts and the big train display set up.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMaHzkUeBJc/XFZcAU-9AiI/AAAAAAAAFTk/rPTFl8vWv7w8U-dN91ebjt7H62nQ2I__wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2075.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RMaHzkUeBJc/XFZcAU-9AiI/AAAAAAAAFTk/rPTFl8vWv7w8U-dN91ebjt7H62nQ2I__wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2075.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-EhkDl-Oxo/XFZcBJ03FFI/AAAAAAAAFTs/xvYTA3Mo_uIEDJPULZIhGbgHdqWj3I47gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2076.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-EhkDl-Oxo/XFZcBJ03FFI/AAAAAAAAFTs/xvYTA3Mo_uIEDJPULZIhGbgHdqWj3I47gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2076.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNz4Ug6q60/XFZbq4ymTII/AAAAAAAAFS0/GHjkIrPyg0gO2j4XDZBPTeQD5hY9qI7xwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2073.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BFNz4Ug6q60/XFZbq4ymTII/AAAAAAAAFS0/GHjkIrPyg0gO2j4XDZBPTeQD5hY9qI7xwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2073.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iWz_Pubp-Y/XFZbilLK9SI/AAAAAAAAFSs/p9pIccERlH48GIxrRri2KRt1kRcutKSpQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2070.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4iWz_Pubp-Y/XFZbilLK9SI/AAAAAAAAFSs/p9pIccERlH48GIxrRri2KRt1kRcutKSpQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2070.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each family received a bingo sheet upon arrival which had spots for each station. Volunteers signed off as you visited or built different ships, and once a person had bingo they could trade in their card for a prize. The prize was actually a full size batman lego set.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsoToigVNOA/XFZbHMNDwEI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/k0i2_-wj0_4vGt7oS5qWo5N0QPt_67X3gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YsoToigVNOA/XFZbHMNDwEI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/k0i2_-wj0_4vGt7oS5qWo5N0QPt_67X3gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2086.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The event ran from 10-4 and was totally FREE. We got there right at ten and it was already super crowded. I can only imagine it got more so as the day went on. Even so, RT was able to play and make a craft, but be aware that if you attend next year, the crowds are large and it isn't quiet. For a free event, I was beyond impressed. It was organized, clean, and there was a good variety of things to do and space to go. They even had a cafe with food up and running. The security, volunteers, and medical personnel were easy to find and all around. We enjoyed our morning, and RT was so tired afterward that he couldn't make it through lunch!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L72Rn_oDTIw/XFZa_8afVEI/AAAAAAAAFSI/jO0c2y8rK-Ip-lmB5ICpBM_wJ496IWM7ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6442.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L72Rn_oDTIw/XFZa_8afVEI/AAAAAAAAFSI/jO0c2y8rK-Ip-lmB5ICpBM_wJ496IWM7ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6442.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-28779991798166726932019-02-01T09:51:00.002-08:002019-02-01T09:51:50.719-08:00Little Houses: Botanical Gardens Favorite Places <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OoRngkVB3k/W_h4N34DwuI/AAAAAAAAFBU/Y9IkPHlQ5pYrNhOc0IRR-AdqDlBFHptIwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1539.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OoRngkVB3k/W_h4N34DwuI/AAAAAAAAFBU/Y9IkPHlQ5pYrNhOc0IRR-AdqDlBFHptIwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1539.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>If&nbsp;you've missed the first few of this series, we have been going into detail about some of our favorite places inside of the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2017/08/norfolk-botanical-gardens.html">Norfolk Botanical Gardens</a>. I was so surprised to hear from people who had been there before that they didn't know about the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/06/airplane-overlook-nbg.html">Airplane Overlook</a>&nbsp;or the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/07/bike-nights-botanical-gardens.html">Bike Nights</a>. We have also talked so far about the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/08/bristow-butterfly-garden-nbg.html">Butterfly House</a> and the <a href="https://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/12/sand-pit-botanical-gardens-favorite.html">Sand Pit</a>, and today I'm focusing on the little houses and tree area inside of the WOW garden.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wMJzNnwSvg/W_h4OU4rFgI/AAAAAAAAFBk/chRXxJPW6go_LUJw4Y67zFCVZFoMqQMFACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1538.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4wMJzNnwSvg/W_h4OU4rFgI/AAAAAAAAFBk/chRXxJPW6go_LUJw4Y67zFCVZFoMqQMFACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1538.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrIaPBlxsjE/W_h4MtcZLLI/AAAAAAAAFBM/z7ne2C1PThwW1bFtk1-JPDx_7Qz9VoX6QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1537.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YrIaPBlxsjE/W_h4MtcZLLI/AAAAAAAAFBM/z7ne2C1PThwW1bFtk1-JPDx_7Qz9VoX6QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1537.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Everyone loves the WOW garden in the summertime for the splash pad, But there is lots to do in the cooler months too. This house has a little kitchen play area in it. The boys treated us to "leaf soup"- ahh, plant powered protein? The second house is a little library, full of books on all kinds of things. We even found one of our favorites- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zECGRfaEcck/W_h4PC6LKKI/AAAAAAAAFBs/vwfV0fNharYWSwiFQ8oK0Af3Mz1jFreHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1534.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zECGRfaEcck/W_h4PC6LKKI/AAAAAAAAFBs/vwfV0fNharYWSwiFQ8oK0Af3Mz1jFreHQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1534.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The third house is a tree house. It's got either a ramp or a net to get to the top and a slide to get down. Obviously climbing with a truck makes things more difficult, but trucks are life, so....&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr_JmsC5btQ/W_h4P8qI1yI/AAAAAAAAFB8/uxuzmFAU6lcEU54AOVw8VLHlBffMR6xQACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1535.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zr_JmsC5btQ/W_h4P8qI1yI/AAAAAAAAFB8/uxuzmFAU6lcEU54AOVw8VLHlBffMR6xQACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1535.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzNkKm0LifE/W_h6N3N4ZGI/AAAAAAAAFCY/yBDld8HK2qMlVJtwkBBK-YeRnAefvt_lwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1530.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WzNkKm0LifE/W_h6N3N4ZGI/AAAAAAAAFCY/yBDld8HK2qMlVJtwkBBK-YeRnAefvt_lwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1530.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>I know that I always say that we love the Botanical Gardens, and I hope that if you go, you'll check out all of these awesome places while you're there!</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/1VpTwecl7EbQiGyVsvwFQE" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-63939016252094854152019-01-27T06:16:00.000-08:002019-02-01T12:30:41.599-08:00Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tRpbTfbXuk/XEzqfbr8fiI/AAAAAAAAFQs/8F12TyY05D8JM8HqxYUIBQVm_YxbWaYEQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6404.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7tRpbTfbXuk/XEzqfbr8fiI/AAAAAAAAFQs/8F12TyY05D8JM8HqxYUIBQVm_YxbWaYEQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6404.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This weekend was the opening of the Thomas exhibit at the Virginia Children's Museum. This exhibit is housed in the traveling exhibit room and has traveled all over the country. There is a section that tells the history of Thomas, whose story began in 1917 by a young English boy listening to steam trains. In 1942 he became a father himself and began to tell these stories to his own children. The exhibit began in 2014 and will travel around for ten years. It focuses on Stem literacy through play. (STEM is an educational term which includes science, technology, engineering, and math.)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usj_mm2eT4E/XEzqHUFSmHI/AAAAAAAAFQU/EJpkA9jlFiEx2qWuFcS6b8rcW6i9MnhQwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-usj_mm2eT4E/XEzqHUFSmHI/AAAAAAAAFQU/EJpkA9jlFiEx2qWuFcS6b8rcW6i9MnhQwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6405.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There are a few different sections in the exhibit. Kids can climb on Thomas, fix Percy's wheels and use coal to get him going. There is a huge Thomas train table and a small area with bigger trails for babies and younger toddlers. There are some friction type experiments for kids to see which trains can go the farthest on ramps and a few photo-op areas.&nbsp; The exhibit will be around until until May 12th.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghzk1OxOGtQ/XEzqmXF4qOI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/6ecKnqzHC6k6B_lVwRUgC2SL1wDHCRGiQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6406.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ghzk1OxOGtQ/XEzqmXF4qOI/AAAAAAAAFQ0/6ecKnqzHC6k6B_lVwRUgC2SL1wDHCRGiQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6406.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>This weekend the Children's Museum also opened their newly remodeled Toddler Tracks train space. This area previously held train tables, but it has been updated. It still has the tables, but now it also includes a large engine for kids to climb on.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LNS0B0FKKI/XEzqLT_1I8I/AAAAAAAAFQc/6XjB74CFMA06ULBE6cwS_CltxnjZ62ZeQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6407.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1LNS0B0FKKI/XEzqLT_1I8I/AAAAAAAAFQc/6XjB74CFMA06ULBE6cwS_CltxnjZ62ZeQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6407.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The pictures were a little hard to get because there were SO many kids and RT was interested exclusively in playing at the train table, and he had no patience for stopping for my family photo ops. If your kid loves Thomas, <a href="https://www.thomasandfriends.com/en-us/events/explore-the-rails.html">this website</a> has games that will get them excited about the exhibit. Also, Spotify has a whole Thomas and Friends playlist. I'm still not sure what the fascination is with trains, but it looks like this isn't a passing phase for RT.<br /><br /><br />It was also the Weekend in Wakanda, so lots of kids were dressed as the Black Panther and we were greeted walking in by a parade of a live African percussion orchestra. 93 year old actress Dorothy Steel was there signing autographs and taking pictures. The museum was the most crowded we have ever seen it, which is great for them and for the local area!<br /><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp; <iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/60FJeNTK5edr72G2xtCWuP" width="300"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">*If you love this band as much as I do, they are coming to Richmond. Hit me up if you're going!&nbsp;</div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-8766223941230855152019-01-24T09:19:00.001-08:002019-01-24T09:19:37.303-08:00Rainy Day Links <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFtzEsClTns/W5w4je-eWhI/AAAAAAAAEjs/k6pD91YASaAtHt4JrQtVYbsKhGhzRyHpACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/5a99ed251e000008087ad570.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bFtzEsClTns/W5w4je-eWhI/AAAAAAAAEjs/k6pD91YASaAtHt4JrQtVYbsKhGhzRyHpACK4BGAYYCw/s400/5a99ed251e000008087ad570.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Being stuck inside can sometimes make you go crazy. Cabin fever is real y'all! Here are a few links to keep you entertained until it's nicer out!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/37-photos-that-show-how-hilariously-bad-little-kids-are-at-hiding_us_5a97581be4b09c872bb111fb">37 kids who are bad at hiding</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mens-Motley-Zoo-Rescue-MISPITS-Pit-Bull-T-Shirt-Size-Medium/252074805450?hash=item3ab0d448ca%3Ag%3AdcsAAOSw8d9UyIib&amp;_sacat=0&amp;_nkw=mispits+t+shirt+&amp;_from=R40&amp;rt=nc&amp;LH_TitleDesc=0%7C0">I NEED this shirt!&nbsp;</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnwNIxf3Qw0/W5w5PnCQQdI/AAAAAAAAEj4/24FOQlVu4bQkD2hwAhaP5EVhtBDL9YczACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/5a3c007a1c0000170068cd4c.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nnwNIxf3Qw0/W5w5PnCQQdI/AAAAAAAAEj4/24FOQlVu4bQkD2hwAhaP5EVhtBDL9YczACK4BGAYYCw/s400/5a3c007a1c0000170068cd4c.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/to-the-exhausted-mama-heres-what-i-want-you-to-remember_us_5a3c0016e4b06cd2bd03d905">To the Exhausted Mama...Here's What I Want You To Remember</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mother.ly/life/getting-rid-of-stuff-saved-my-motherhood?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1">Getting Rid of Stuff Saved My Motherhood</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://time.com/5045028/raising-boys-faith-salie/">How To Raise An Angry Son In An Era of Angry Men</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanhatesthis/this-toddler-loves-a-personal-injury-lawyers-commercials-so#.la2KEwDx3">This Toddler Is So Obsessed With A Local Personal Injury Lawyer It Was His Birthday Theme</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That's it for today!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-29766166199524942302019-01-21T14:42:00.003-08:002019-01-21T14:42:56.204-08:00She Works Hard for the Mommy v. 5<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmz1ZRHHbEU/W6u09XV3vkI/AAAAAAAAEss/-Gm2ENzcp-4rIYLfWOt5qk7l6u9WsavAQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmz1ZRHHbEU/W6u09XV3vkI/AAAAAAAAEss/-Gm2ENzcp-4rIYLfWOt5qk7l6u9WsavAQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/unnamed.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My name is Chelsea and I work as a Configuration Management (CM) and Documentation Manager with a government contracting company. Basically, I write/edit/review/process formal documents like Training Guides, Performance Specifications, and many other types of content. It sounds like the most boring job in the world, and people often ask me what on earth is CM? Think about anything you do that requires a process, buying online/cooking your favorite dish. Each of those tasks requires a process and parts that have to be managed. You can’t buy something from Amazon unless you add something to the cart, or you add your credit card info, etc. It’s all about cause, effect, and management.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I fell into this job unintentionally. I went to college for two years in Alaska and needed to find my way back home. I needed a job so I sent my resume that had strong administrative support skills to a coworker of my father’s. As it turned out, that coworker was in desperate need of someone that could type really fast. That was about 10 years ago and I’ve never looked back. In those 10 years, I have outgrown my initial part time capacity as a Documentation Specialist and moved up the chain to a full time CM and Documentation Manager as well as a Team Lead within my company. It wasn’t easy and it came with a lot of bumps and bruises along the way.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Two years ago, I gave birth to my son. He is my world and for his first 7 weeks, he and I were inseparable. Then I had to go back to work (maternity leave clearly still lacking in the US) and I dreaded the moment I would have to walk away from him to go to work. Sleepless nights led up to my first day back at work and when I did go back, I was a wreck. I could hardly focus. One of the best ways I dealt and still deal with being a working mom is finding a daycare that suits my family’s needs. We found an in-home provider and she honestly loves our son as one of her own (pretty much her favorite). She works with my schedule if I have to work late or work overtime. It was really important to me after I had my son to continue on with my career. I genuinely enjoy what I do, and I’m good at it. I’ve gotten an education, continue to go for certifications, and actively strive to do and be better. I am a woman in a male dominated workforce. I have fought tooth and nail against men who have sought to keep me under thumb. It was/is vital to my own mental health to continue to accomplish myself here and earn enough to provide my son with everything he could possibly need.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do I miss my son every moment of the day? Absolutely! However, this is where my daycare provider helps me. She sends Snapchats and videos and pictures of some of the crazy things my kid does all day. I get that moment of hearing my son yelling “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy!!!” when he sees me walking up the driveway and the hug attack when I pick him up. It’s those moments that help me when I’m feeling like a failure as a mom because I’m not around enough. Let’s face it, every working mom feels that moment of panic/fear/guilt when dropping their kid off or leave their kid for the day. I struggle with making sure I spend as much time with my boy as I can when I’m not working. While I am a workaholic that brings my computer home with me daily, I set boundaries for myself. I don’t work when he’s awake if I can help it.<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The weekends are especially important to me now. Before, I was just working and looking forward to the days I didn’t have to go into work in a structured environment. Now, I look for ways to hang out with my kid and get in all those moments I miss during the week. Adventures to the zoo, the park, Children’s Museum, walks to Grandma and Grandpa’s, etc. are fun but we also spend time together at home just playing with blocks and trains and whatever else is handy. We have our moments before bed when we read a book together or he asks to snuggle with Mommy.&nbsp;<u></u><u></u></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoNfW6xAUHo/W6uX2QlLIuI/AAAAAAAAEsg/f5FRKDJVbVsHBcScOazz2sQ8GWfwt4VpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QoNfW6xAUHo/W6uX2QlLIuI/AAAAAAAAEsg/f5FRKDJVbVsHBcScOazz2sQ8GWfwt4VpgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/image2.jpeg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The best piece of advice I can give to any other new moms or working moms in general is to remember that we are people too. Mommy is a big part of who we are but we are also fierce, strong women that deserve to put our hard work into the world. When you have those moments of doubt or worrying that you’re a bad mom for not being with your kid enough, remember that&nbsp;<a dir="ltr" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">bad moms</a>&nbsp;rarely concern themselves with whether or not they are good. The very fact that you have that concern is how you know you’re a great mom and doing the very best you can for your tiny little human.&nbsp;</span></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-77826531502303121312019-01-14T11:16:00.000-08:002019-01-14T17:16:45.190-08:00The Pink Roller<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aay-koilI08/XDtN8JUqwDI/AAAAAAAAFOA/uAXIO1aZ_5UeU8TYibRAOH1Cj5oyWrqHACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4866.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aay-koilI08/XDtN8JUqwDI/AAAAAAAAFOA/uAXIO1aZ_5UeU8TYibRAOH1Cj5oyWrqHACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4866.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>You know how sometimes you walk into a place, and you can just feel the love that the owners have for a place? That's The Pink Roller. Located on 26th street in Norfolk, the Pink Roller opened as a place for kids under six to play.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBZFNBwfRKw/XDtOfzod-lI/AAAAAAAAFOc/XFq6mveSr0URNHih0ceh7aMQL5L6C7MTgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1944.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wBZFNBwfRKw/XDtOfzod-lI/AAAAAAAAFOc/XFq6mveSr0URNHih0ceh7aMQL5L6C7MTgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1944.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ki9FVxFbBbU/XDtOmBgJdLI/AAAAAAAAFOk/tRYlYUTOz-YRe09UFErEC5I6kB0DQUSIACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1952.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ki9FVxFbBbU/XDtOmBgJdLI/AAAAAAAAFOk/tRYlYUTOz-YRe09UFErEC5I6kB0DQUSIACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1952.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />The Pink Roller, a name picked as both a cultural reference and a nod to both owners' grandmothers, tries to focus on simple play. Rather than having screens and noise coming from everywhere, the toys that you find there will encourage kids to use their imaginations for play. They have things like play grocery stores, kitchens, ironing boards, washing machines, and even a hot dog cart. There is a rack of dress up clothes and a log cabin which was a hit with the boys. They even have an inflatable bounce house, which although RT has been asking me about one for five weeks, he refused to get in.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebfk45bkc-o/XDtNxmKiZ2I/AAAAAAAAFNg/5JEuzjie3DA2OYMIpIyKer2bvCZBmeKuQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4854.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ebfk45bkc-o/XDtNxmKiZ2I/AAAAAAAAFNg/5JEuzjie3DA2OYMIpIyKer2bvCZBmeKuQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4854.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkSa_Zk9l0Y/XDtN40NncXI/AAAAAAAAFN4/p7bnNCaM1JIA8hznOxEv1779L5eM1bVpgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4868.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DkSa_Zk9l0Y/XDtN40NncXI/AAAAAAAAFN4/p7bnNCaM1JIA8hznOxEv1779L5eM1bVpgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4868.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>What most stood out to me, though, was the support for the community that the owners have. They picked their location based on need. It's right next to a bus stop, and it is in an area where many people could walk. I say this as someone who is Norfolk born and raised and who teaches in Norfolk. I love the kids in this city, but sometimes, they are given an unfair shake at things. This is a perfect place for kids of all backgrounds to find a middle ground to meet and play. They purposefully kept the cost down, at only $5.00 for the entire day. They have free Friday night game nights for the community for people of all ages. Their cafe sells to any and all people who are looking for a treat. They offer free meeting spaces during lunch Monday-Thursday for study groups, mommy meet ups, and community organizations. They also have a free Friday story time at 11. Families can choose to stay and play for the regular admission fee afterwards if they want. Norfolk needs these local gems.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv2hXjF-8qo/XDtNKtzAE1I/AAAAAAAAFNM/oPcrZWgk6UsvpfzrLbMlV6HX8PbZ61vegCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4862.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yv2hXjF-8qo/XDtNKtzAE1I/AAAAAAAAFNM/oPcrZWgk6UsvpfzrLbMlV6HX8PbZ61vegCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4862.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>They do offer birthday parties, at some of the most affordable rates I've seen. Their weekend parties start at $175 and includes the decorations, pizza, popcorn, punch, and admission for 12 kids. During the week they welcome homeschool groups, mom meet ups, and field trips. They even offer Stay and Play options for just $10.00 an hour (up to three hours). That's cheaper than some babysitters! They&nbsp;also offer fundraiser opportunities for schools and large groups. Another plus - they clean toys whenever groups leave, and they do a deep cleaning every night.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Uf0_-9xlY/XDtNtQcWvHI/AAAAAAAAFNY/2eXzOb3-VCk57dQUkJL3AG1B2nsLXkWRACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4856.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6Uf0_-9xlY/XDtNtQcWvHI/AAAAAAAAFNY/2eXzOb3-VCk57dQUkJL3AG1B2nsLXkWRACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4856.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHwKIIcLw1E/XDtN2l_HrgI/AAAAAAAAFNw/lZeGIxeIK54xZmQp5uQ8bEwQwHc3lBFjgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1978.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHwKIIcLw1E/XDtN2l_HrgI/AAAAAAAAFNw/lZeGIxeIK54xZmQp5uQ8bEwQwHc3lBFjgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1978.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0nFN6teZU4/XDtNy0Ia70I/AAAAAAAAFNo/3qZ5ndHoaOUwwOAi2Hws29HrW6z4mvpeQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1977.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0nFN6teZU4/XDtNy0Ia70I/AAAAAAAAFNo/3qZ5ndHoaOUwwOAi2Hws29HrW6z4mvpeQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1977.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Some things to note:<br /><br /><ul><li>The Pink Roller is located on 26th street. Just be aware that 26th is a one way street, so slow down when you get close so that you don't pass it.&nbsp;</li><li>There is a large parking lot behind the shopping center, and there is a back door.&nbsp;</li><li>One thing we noticed that we liked is that there was a diaper gene in the bathroom.&nbsp;</li><li>If you're into football- they do have a fire stick and a TV that they can put the game on for you while they are there. So if you're looking to watch the big game in peace while your kid plays, it's an option!&nbsp;</li><li>Game night is every Friday, all ages from 4-8 pm. It's FREE and they have food and drink specials.&nbsp;</li><li>Follow their Facebook for specials. They had a winter break special for only $8.00. For ALL OF WINTER BREAK. They also sometimes will post Free Play Fridays where they have free admission. Free. Like... no cost. Totally free.&nbsp;</li><li>They have locker rentals available for an extra dollar. I love this.&nbsp;</li><li>They have a loyalty program where if you visit ten times, you get a free visit!&nbsp;</li><li>On Fridays they do a FREE story time at 11. If you want to stay and play afterwards, just pay the regular drop in admission fee.&nbsp;</li></ul><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hbYRnDh7UM/XDtOVnmMaUI/AAAAAAAAFOU/Lo2k0vUbxMw-Vh41n_Wnfn5hti1g8DWJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1948.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--hbYRnDh7UM/XDtOVnmMaUI/AAAAAAAAFOU/Lo2k0vUbxMw-Vh41n_Wnfn5hti1g8DWJgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1948.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I'm so thrilled that Norfolk has a place like this now. I'm planning on adding this to our list of places that we ask for passes to for birthdays and holidays. I'm really excited to see them grow and to see what role they play in the community. We have to be the ones to build each other up!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f92_rHHG48g/XDtOz7RcEdI/AAAAAAAAFOw/x5zbQQDpx9AWA5xuLdSS7V-Lx2h7cGk4ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4867.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f92_rHHG48g/XDtOz7RcEdI/AAAAAAAAFOw/x5zbQQDpx9AWA5xuLdSS7V-Lx2h7cGk4ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4867.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Ongoing Events:<br />Friday Story Time 11 FREE!<br />Friday Game night 4-8</div></div><div><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-84126318686517422922019-01-11T05:38:00.000-08:002019-01-18T16:30:55.048-08:00First Landing State Park<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDPegoSyi4M/XCvyknSodaI/AAAAAAAAFLY/vtHB9FnBd-sXg5abi_yNOgVgnxAdFk44gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1892.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDPegoSyi4M/XCvyknSodaI/AAAAAAAAFLY/vtHB9FnBd-sXg5abi_yNOgVgnxAdFk44gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1892.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>First Landing State Park is one of the many Virginia State Parks that we have. It is located off Shore Drive in North Virginia Beach and covers 2,888 acres. On the property there are areas for swimming, hiking, bike riding, boating, fishing, camping, picnic areas, a playground, and fire pits. Weekday visits cost only $4.00 per car, and weekends are only a dollar more. Leashed pets are allowed. During the summer the parking fee is $5.00 on weekdays and $7.00 on weekends and holidays.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z-6rEPMKIc/XCvymJBH10I/AAAAAAAAFLg/w9aN5n7qFq4ZsoLWsbOrBEQe3nEGMs4MgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1885.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5z-6rEPMKIc/XCvymJBH10I/AAAAAAAAFLg/w9aN5n7qFq4ZsoLWsbOrBEQe3nEGMs4MgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1885.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We visited as part of their First Day program. Every year as a way to encourage people to get out and get active, the state parks open their gates for free. At 72 degrees, we couldn't say no to a day outdoors.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xS6k4OaxzKQ/XCvznz0p4YI/AAAAAAAAFMo/cKJOhNHtmJcIPSCPokNzwV0-VkHY75UHQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1897%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xS6k4OaxzKQ/XCvznz0p4YI/AAAAAAAAFMo/cKJOhNHtmJcIPSCPokNzwV0-VkHY75UHQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1897%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>There are several hiking trails ranging from .4 miles to 6.1 miles, from easy to moderate. Some trails are marked only for hiking while others allow both bikes and hikers. If you've got a stroller, check the biking trails for paved paths. At the trail center they have a tiny museum with displays of some of the animals and plants that you could find on the trails and a gift shop.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToRWh3hZsU8/XCvy64oP5GI/AAAAAAAAFL0/8hPWXlFsvfgZZzQa9K9aovVQAMhT0qOyQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1903%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ToRWh3hZsU8/XCvy64oP5GI/AAAAAAAAFL0/8hPWXlFsvfgZZzQa9K9aovVQAMhT0qOyQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1903%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lahJLGTwtc/XCvzBeGTWqI/AAAAAAAAFME/ookUYGk-9HYv7Mc9sM5UcCLl97yU0ZF2gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1901.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5lahJLGTwtc/XCvzBeGTWqI/AAAAAAAAFME/ookUYGk-9HYv7Mc9sM5UcCLl97yU0ZF2gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1901.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjpOeS-qIk/XCvzBiIYhOI/AAAAAAAAFMI/fx_mwdws3lwAZnHaZKiw3LzPSVi0PMscwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1902.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lLjpOeS-qIk/XCvzBiIYhOI/AAAAAAAAFMI/fx_mwdws3lwAZnHaZKiw3LzPSVi0PMscwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1902.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>If camping is your thing, check out their affordable deals on campsites. A standard campsite for a VA resident is only $24.00 without electric and water hookup, and $35.00 with it. Cabins&nbsp;can be&nbsp;rented for $784 for a week or $131 per night&nbsp;during prime season, cheaper for off season. We recently went to&nbsp; a wedding in the amphitheater which was beautiful and a great way to burn some energy!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-YmaTcGOXE/XCvzVv0Ur_I/AAAAAAAAFMc/pbkMBA8RL1o8Dr5ooAroHBxbk5QylNLkQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1888.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l-YmaTcGOXE/XCvzVv0Ur_I/AAAAAAAAFMc/pbkMBA8RL1o8Dr5ooAroHBxbk5QylNLkQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1888.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-15452578574682151202019-01-06T19:12:00.003-08:002019-01-07T17:09:01.404-08:00Meal Tip Monday <div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJlWAQYjZpc/XDP3xuZ_RMI/AAAAAAAAFM0/esGawE1B8G8g6srmnL3fEgXdNPry754wgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Meal%2BTip%2BMonday.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJlWAQYjZpc/XDP3xuZ_RMI/AAAAAAAAFM0/esGawE1B8G8g6srmnL3fEgXdNPry754wgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Meal%2BTip%2BMonday.png" width="266" /></a></div>It's the first Monday of the year, and I'm glad to share another Meal Tip Monday! Here's a list of the "Dirty 12" and "Clean 15". Eating fruits and vegetables is beneficial whether they're organic or not. But, if you're interested in knowing which fruits and veggies absorb more pesticides and insecticides, here's a list for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-td6h4h_tiC4/W29iK8uX8XI/AAAAAAAAEQo/yjj4A8t3uFkEJAMSH0UUWyhorjxGJFNRgCLcBGAs/s1600/38010939_10157640134976978_5536697449998974976_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="636" height="435" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-td6h4h_tiC4/W29iK8uX8XI/AAAAAAAAEQo/yjj4A8t3uFkEJAMSH0UUWyhorjxGJFNRgCLcBGAs/s640/38010939_10157640134976978_5536697449998974976_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;"><div style="text-align: center;">This 2018 list is the latest from the Environmental Working Group.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efBvIPY-B1c/W29jLhZ-NoI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/AuAi-P2dlH4FngNLDnUP3XznkO0rAyW9QCLcBGAs/s1600/38055974_10157642699991978_5704474373117706240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="718" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-efBvIPY-B1c/W29jLhZ-NoI/AAAAAAAAEQ0/AuAi-P2dlH4FngNLDnUP3XznkO0rAyW9QCLcBGAs/s400/38055974_10157642699991978_5704474373117706240_n.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This tip brought to you by Fit4Mom Norfolk. Like their </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FIT4MOMnorfolk/" style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">page on facebook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: &quot;helvetica neue&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , &quot;arial&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> for more meal tips! Also, if you're interested in trying out a FREE class, they have Fit4Baby (pregnant mamas!), Stroller Strides and Stroller Barre (with your kid), and Body Back. Run club is also available and you can run with or without the stroller!&nbsp;</span></div><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;"><br /></div></div></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-82793647819282522622019-01-04T05:56:00.004-08:002019-01-04T05:56:40.727-08:00Far Away Friday v6<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>438</o:Words> <o:Characters>2501</o:Characters> <o:Company>Norfolk Public Schools</o:Company> <o:Lines>20</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>5</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>2934</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>14.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings></xml><![endif]--> 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@font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --></style><!--[if gte mso 10]><style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style><![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">I've saved this one to be the perfect post holiday funk/cold outside/it's <i>how many days</i> until Spring Break post! Today's Far Away Friday is all the way from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Zu is a mama to three who used to live in Tidewater but moved out West. Neil and I actually LOVE Colorado. I love the skiing and snowboarding and Neil loves the baseball! Don't be afraid to contact me if you've got an idea for a post!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Drj3lXBtc-s/W1_H5fVy9iI/AAAAAAAAEIo/FcnuwUiy1psQJ2nmu0nQ31ngsM4XDR-JQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/elephant%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Drj3lXBtc-s/W1_H5fVy9iI/AAAAAAAAEIo/FcnuwUiy1psQJ2nmu0nQ31ngsM4XDR-JQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/elephant%2Bview.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Toddling around any city can be a daunting task wherever you venture off to. The Pikes Peak region is full of beautiful landscapes and hiking trails, but if you’re not the outdoorsy type there are several places that both you and your children will enjoy. Our favorite go to spot is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, in Colorado Springs.<span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC5ceWhTXBM/W1_IO-9yuSI/AAAAAAAAEJI/y3QGFI2gcrYDjhNT5gTPC9fSZI8YNehpwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/token%2Bvote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tC5ceWhTXBM/W1_IO-9yuSI/AAAAAAAAEJI/y3QGFI2gcrYDjhNT5gTPC9fSZI8YNehpwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/token%2Bvote.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">When entering the zoo you are given tokens to donate to different animal conservations. My children love seeing the tokens go through all of the gears. This unique experience lets children voice their support on helping their animal friends. We follow this with a family favorite, feeding the Giraffes! You are able to feed the Giraffes all day. Visitors pay either $3 for one bushel of lettuce or $5 for two. You also have the option to feed several other animals, including the Goats and Rhinos. This year my older two children, ages 5 and 2, and I fed an Elephant to celebrate Summer Solstice. It is a bit more pricy than the Giraffe exhibit, but it was worth every penny for the special experience.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYIPptfRYT4/W1_H1q_kVaI/AAAAAAAAEIg/j7jscREssGoUY-5Lt87z2oBNwNcN7sEYACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/feeding%2Bgiraffe%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYIPptfRYT4/W1_H1q_kVaI/AAAAAAAAEIg/j7jscREssGoUY-5Lt87z2oBNwNcN7sEYACK4BGAYYCw/s400/feeding%2Bgiraffe%2B1.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Though focused on family fun, this zoo does a fabulous job at sharing their passion for education and conservation. At various times you can learn more about the animals, their environments and how each animal is specially suited for their natural habitats. Before we fed the Elephant, the children learn all about them. Fun fact, the elephants hind legs are shaped differently from their front legs, they also only have molars in the very back of their mouths!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zT9mgHQaUfU/W1_Hxydo5_I/AAAAAAAAEIY/vsvQrthR3n0QBff6Bj-wTb_cdYAq7cBAQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/gorilla%2Bfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zT9mgHQaUfU/W1_Hxydo5_I/AAAAAAAAEIY/vsvQrthR3n0QBff6Bj-wTb_cdYAq7cBAQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/gorilla%2Bfriend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Located near the main restaurants is a plant themed playground. My son loves climbing the oversized mushroom, while my tiny two-year-old crawls under the snake. There is also a wild animal themed carousel in the same area that is not for the faint of heart. My kids beg for a ride every visit! If views are what you seek, there is a sky ride that takes you above the mountainous zoo. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4N2MNLt7KQ/W1_IInk8H5I/AAAAAAAAEI0/vLA3mShLW18jVgeyCLZvMMa6e2pzBa9KwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/shrine%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bsun.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q4N2MNLt7KQ/W1_IInk8H5I/AAAAAAAAEI0/vLA3mShLW18jVgeyCLZvMMa6e2pzBa9KwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/shrine%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bsun.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTv7h8BxBZc/W1_ILkJzUWI/AAAAAAAAEJA/B4-y6k04AtMdk9ymK19bECH4t8MWlTstgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/shrine%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OTv7h8BxBZc/W1_ILkJzUWI/AAAAAAAAEJA/B4-y6k04AtMdk9ymK19bECH4t8MWlTstgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/shrine%2Bview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking of view, with every ticket purchase, you also get a free visit to Will Rogers Memorial Shrine of the Sun, or as we call it, Rapunzel’s tower! Uniquely located at the top of Cheyenne Mountain, one must drive through the zoo to reach it. There are a few twists and turns up the mountain. Take your time and enjoy the ride, once you reach the top you’ll be greeted with a magnificent view of all of Colorado Springs. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><u>Pricing<o:p></o:p></u></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Prices to the zoo vary by seasons, if you’re looking to save a bit, your best bet is to go from December to February. It will be cold, but still a ton of fun. They also have a Military discount for active duty families. Since we are locals, we invested in the Family Membership, it is a one-time payment of $197 and it includes admission for two adults and all of your children for an entire year! This includes all of their extra events, like December Holiday lights extravaganza and boo at the zoo. We have already gone at least ten times in the past few months, so the membership has paid itself off, tenfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQ5b6_ddq8/W1_Ijbft4HI/AAAAAAAAEJc/zMwZ66VL9jQecGVFte8KAS4T8p4ncl1FwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/feeding%2Bgiraffe%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hRQ5b6_ddq8/W1_Ijbft4HI/AAAAAAAAEJc/zMwZ66VL9jQecGVFte8KAS4T8p4ncl1FwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/feeding%2Bgiraffe%2B2.jpg" width="298" /></a></span></div><!--EndFragment--><br />Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-57956426564522408062019-01-01T10:56:00.000-08:002019-01-01T10:56:51.227-08:00It's Been a Year <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yP1k_wBIOfw/XCZztHq_IXI/AAAAAAAAFJY/ySpITwVP69E7SdPJcPxqSEvJl2pZCUd7ACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/26055876_10155783369141327_756736891884706245_n.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yP1k_wBIOfw/XCZztHq_IXI/AAAAAAAAFJY/ySpITwVP69E7SdPJcPxqSEvJl2pZCUd7ACK4BGAYYCw/s400/26055876_10155783369141327_756736891884706245_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Although logically we all know that our parents will die someday, nothing prepares us. No amount of times the doctors told me that it was coming would ultimately help me come to the realization that today would mark the first year without my dad, or the Yahzeit as it's called in Yiddish. Let me tell you- it hasn't gotten easier.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRYT9mp3jis/XCZz2NlXPXI/AAAAAAAAFJg/xlBpvg_tNYsdtNGSGSeFEHIorNRFIzF_wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2990.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tRYT9mp3jis/XCZz2NlXPXI/AAAAAAAAFJg/xlBpvg_tNYsdtNGSGSeFEHIorNRFIzF_wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_2990.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I recently sat sobbing on the side of my bed while texting late at night with a friend of mine. Her husband just lost his mother, and she just had a baby. In the span of a month, their lives took an extreme ride through all of the turns of emotions. I met his mom a handful of times, spoke to her very little, and didn't even know her first name. So why, sitting on the side of the bed was I sobbing? Because I've been where they are. The "how can my baby not know them?" feeling. I've felt the crashing waves of grief while I look into my little one's eyes and see the features that they share. I know the gut wrenching feeling of seeing Grandparent's Day on the calendar and knowing that my son wont have everyone there. It isn't fair, and I have nothing positive to say to her.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpLGxBlHVNU/XCZ0TySqIJI/AAAAAAAAFJw/NC5e-XY0NGo2Fcd6dKKP4BY7hhILFpeQACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IpLGxBlHVNU/XCZ0TySqIJI/AAAAAAAAFJw/NC5e-XY0NGo2Fcd6dKKP4BY7hhILFpeQACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_0014.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>People offer words of comfort- "they will have pictures" or "they will know the stories". I know, I know, both of these are true, and people are trying to be positive. But you know what I hated as a child? Hearing stories of old, dead, relatives. If I heard one more time about how my Great Uncle Doc survived not one but TWO times when a ship sunk in the Navy, I just might have thrown myself off a ship too. Looking back, my dad told me those stories because he loved my uncle, and he wanted to share that with me. (Also looking back I'm a jerk.) Pictures are not the same. Stories are not the same. It's not showing up at all of your baseball games, staying the night at their house, and going on ski trips. It's not the secret hand shakes or the stops for ice cream. It just doesn't seem like enough, and while I know all of this, I can't say it to my friend. So I just agree- yes, it sucks. No, it isn't fair. What makes this better? It's been 365 days, and I still don't know. If I had the advice, I would tell her. I'd shout it from the rooftops so that no one else has to feel the way I do- hole in the chest, heart beating fast, sad, and angry.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_conhNJAyU/XCZ0aAcBcoI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/6KCHdRNpe0we23BZnvrwaeNibDLp3u_HwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_3415.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e_conhNJAyU/XCZ0aAcBcoI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/6KCHdRNpe0we23BZnvrwaeNibDLp3u_HwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_3415.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I know that I always post the same pictures of RT and my dad when I write about him. But, it's the pictures that I have. I don't have more. I wasn't gifted that time. What I was gifted, was a safe childhood. I knew, and I still know still that my family loves me. I was safe to make mistakes. I was safe to fail. I try to do this with RT, in all the ways that my dad did. It means we spend a little extra time cuddling. It means that we go to the plays and shows and do the kiddie things. (My dad loved that kind of stuff!) It means that we make sure that he knows, without any doubts, that he is loved unconditionally. Hug your kids. Tell them you love them. Spend some quality time with them. You never know how long you'll have together. As Neil would say, it also means that we celebrate the good that we have in life. I know he is right, and I'm trying to follow through, even on days like today. So on this day, when my heart is broken and I don't know what to do, I'm going to celebrate one good thing that happened in 2018.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbYkb5up8aE/XCtqkZs0cAI/AAAAAAAAFLM/lUfuaCkMtJgcxpso1R9a-sXuHTL8Q9EVwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_6317.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbYkb5up8aE/XCtqkZs0cAI/AAAAAAAAFLM/lUfuaCkMtJgcxpso1R9a-sXuHTL8Q9EVwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_6317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hopefully 2019 is looking brighter as we expand to a family of SIX. (Two adults, two dogs, and two kids!) As always, if you'd like to help us celebrate my father's life, or this simcha (another Jewish word for the day, meaning a happy occasion) please consider a donation to <a href="https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?idb=472408012&amp;df_id=2340&amp;FR_ID=1690&amp;mfc_pref=T&amp;PROXY_ID=2482972&amp;PROXY_TYPE=20&amp;2340.donation=form1">Team Hurwitz</a>. I can't think of a better way to start 2019 with positive vibes. Hope 2019 brings us all laughter and love.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-39370903307478201042018-12-30T06:43:00.003-08:002018-12-30T06:43:36.065-08:005 Reasons You Should Go to the Zoo When it's Cold <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1SOdxaUdKw/XCjYTrtLnHI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/SxlFsLdfcoU6KaaKzLLqiD6BaKcPHSTJQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1803.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u1SOdxaUdKw/XCjYTrtLnHI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/SxlFsLdfcoU6KaaKzLLqiD6BaKcPHSTJQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1803.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Our <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2017/08/va-zoo.html">zoo </a>gets ton of attention in the summer. The splash pad is a huge hit and draws in tons of people, but wintertime at the zoo can be really special too. Here's why you should check it out.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-jrfZl1Pv0/XCjYS7O9k4I/AAAAAAAAFKI/aoIvCb_-v0Uu6m2uRoVuu9F14xPKxgGngCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1810.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-jrfZl1Pv0/XCjYS7O9k4I/AAAAAAAAFKI/aoIvCb_-v0Uu6m2uRoVuu9F14xPKxgGngCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1810.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>1. Some of the animals who are not active in the summer are out and about in the winter. Usually this includes the bigger animals, but we saw some little guys who were super busy also. The large cats like the tigers and cheetahs seem to love this weather. (This was the first time I've seen the cheetahs do anything but sleep!)&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUxHrXysP_A/XCjYUIBoDbI/AAAAAAAAFKY/6jyxTgjjHc4pqje4O-r0dwxhmOvlgNvxwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1812.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JUxHrXysP_A/XCjYUIBoDbI/AAAAAAAAFKY/6jyxTgjjHc4pqje4O-r0dwxhmOvlgNvxwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1812.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>2. It's the perfect way to get out some energy and get a little exercise. I know that I have listed a bunch of indoor play areas this winter, but sometimes, you just need to get outside and move. We love using the zoo as a way to walk around. RT can now pretty much walk the whole thing without the stroller.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kA-U2ArGgGQ/XCjYcC2W4HI/AAAAAAAAFKg/MB5Wb6PuDTwItWiiWf70dFYHV66ikmONACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1807.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kA-U2ArGgGQ/XCjYcC2W4HI/AAAAAAAAFKg/MB5Wb6PuDTwItWiiWf70dFYHV66ikmONACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1807.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>3. No crowds! Y'all- I got the best parking spot I have ever gotten at the zoo when we went the other day. Right.Up.Front. This never happens! I've been in the summer when I get there before it opens and I'm still close to the last row. But in the winter, you've got your pick of spots. The whole place is yours, so you don't have to fight to get your kid a spot to see the animals or worry about how many people are around. Space to run! Space to see! Space to play!&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-YzZHal2tg/XCjYihYsELI/AAAAAAAAFKw/g-4UsZIYxLYHTlDiNkbqWoGrU13j3QYcACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1795.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C-YzZHal2tg/XCjYihYsELI/AAAAAAAAFKw/g-4UsZIYxLYHTlDiNkbqWoGrU13j3QYcACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1795.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>4. Keeper chats- Although they don't do the Garden Tales or Zoo Tales during the winter, they do offer keeper chats throughout the day where you can ask questions, see the animals eating, and sometimes get a closer look.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jRrbAnu1M/XCjYiCq-ZUI/AAAAAAAAFKo/HiqguGA5wPcfF-D8sbaNw2JZ-HXvclnXwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1815.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j5jRrbAnu1M/XCjYiCq-ZUI/AAAAAAAAFKo/HiqguGA5wPcfF-D8sbaNw2JZ-HXvclnXwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1815.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>5. If it's still too cold for you, you can always check out the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2018/06/world-of-reptiles-va-zoo.html">new indoor reptile house</a>. Neil isn't a fan of snakes, but the new reptile house has aquatic animals, monkeys, and is even getting a sloth soon. So even if you don't like the creepy or crawly, be sure to check it out. It's heated and indoors so everyone can handle it.<br /><br />We love getting out and exploring, and I love that my family gifts us passes so that we can do it often! In Virginia, you never know when the weather is going to be icy cold or suddenly warm, but we love out cold days too!&nbsp;</div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-5073812500224621462018-12-24T10:13:00.003-08:002018-12-24T10:13:35.463-08:00The Tot Lot <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBpjoJ1DilE/XAcvOhcx3oI/AAAAAAAAFFo/9fgsc9LpMT4-wCbclYpWNDHNM9QjdVYrwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1677.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBpjoJ1DilE/XAcvOhcx3oI/AAAAAAAAFFo/9fgsc9LpMT4-wCbclYpWNDHNM9QjdVYrwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1677.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>It's officially full on holiday season, and for many of us, that means we find ourselves in the mall. I love Macys. I know that they are a little more expensive. I know that the store is huge. But I guess I am officially an adult- because I'm at the age where I'd spend a little more money on something that is good quality over something from a cheaper store that lasts only a few washes. That's how I found myself at Lynnhaven Mall recently.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYz1XjL3a0c/XAcvVfrOKWI/AAAAAAAAFFw/8YExARxdGXcxvixXpDiutyH5KtuHDYc5QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1673.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYz1XjL3a0c/XAcvVfrOKWI/AAAAAAAAFFw/8YExARxdGXcxvixXpDiutyH5KtuHDYc5QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1673.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>I can trick RT into thinking almost anything is a game. Running between the racks of clothes? He's in a tunnel. Going into the dressing room, he's trapped with mama. (This doesn't always work when Bubbie is on the other side of the door. The boy loves his Bubbie...) But when I said, do you want to go play, he knows the difference between my version of play and his.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1G8QftKUk/XAcvXkfhpTI/AAAAAAAAFF4/02KajsQ3cD8oVd4fi-WCDInYPwWncpwIQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1674.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1G8QftKUk/XAcvXkfhpTI/AAAAAAAAFF4/02KajsQ3cD8oVd4fi-WCDInYPwWncpwIQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1674.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>So we entered the Tot Lot. Lynnhaven Mall's children's play area. Now let me be clear. There were signs everywhere that this area was for small children. First sign- it's called the TOT Lot. I looked up the word tot. The dictionary describes the meaning as "a very young child." Next clue, the fact that there is a large giraffe that says "You must be shorter than my chin to play." While some young children might not be able to read this, their parents sure can. Third clue, the fact that the play structures were little, had basic letters and numbers on them, and seemed very babyish. If all of those clues still escaped adults, the looks of the other adults should have been a clue that something was wrong. So when the group of very large 8/9 year old boys came running through the lot, I was confused and frustrated as to why the adult who was with them seemed oblivious. One of them actually slammed into my mom in a game of tag. RT got frustrated when they blocked the slide.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGEtr-tbWXo/XAcveKJ12SI/AAAAAAAAFGA/zwPXIzmkOsQ97pPODvTONykC8t2-cFfTwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1672.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nGEtr-tbWXo/XAcveKJ12SI/AAAAAAAAFGA/zwPXIzmkOsQ97pPODvTONykC8t2-cFfTwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1672.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>Sure- kids want to play, and I get it. But all of the signs should have been a direct clue, that this was not the place for these big boys. Finally a security guard came over and told the dad that they were too big. His reasoning? Oh, they were just big for their age. Okay dad, big for an 8 year old or not, he was still 8.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rVyKAOFqnI/XAcv3hddI5I/AAAAAAAAFGY/ISmu7IhHqBkFKIGTnQuIxDNU4HDIe467wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1675.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rVyKAOFqnI/XAcv3hddI5I/AAAAAAAAFGY/ISmu7IhHqBkFKIGTnQuIxDNU4HDIe467wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1675.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div>I'm not sure if this is an ongoing issue or a one time while we happened to be there type event, but it made me thankful for the security guard. (Am I being a Grinch?) The play structures were fine, and I'd come back to see if this is the norm. RT had a good time once they left and I'm sure would love to go back. Lynnhaven is nice because they offer free parking and several stores that have children's items. I do miss the food court upstairs, but they have added in a good size food court on the far end of the mall. If that doesn't appeal to you, there are several restaurants right outside the mall and even more around it. They have a Santa for photos in the middle of the mall right now too. I'd bring RT back here, but I'm curious to see what the standard is. I love free little places like this for toddlers, and I love that it is strategically placed outside of a Starbucks. Ahhh... a little treat for mama with a little treat for RT.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/7BJgjE2uYmXxRpc0Y8fY8t" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-9316824320227175332018-12-20T17:54:00.001-08:002018-12-21T07:24:07.892-08:00Pembroke Mall's Holiday Train Land<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0OjUPBIs6M/XBrxcut8zSI/AAAAAAAAFH8/ZUVvctpimx49mkb8TIRfenQ_PP1w48xlACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0OjUPBIs6M/XBrxcut8zSI/AAAAAAAAFH8/ZUVvctpimx49mkb8TIRfenQ_PP1w48xlACK4BGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1781.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>So... I recently received the "Worst Mom of the Year" award. I promised RT that if he was super good at our dinner at Yard House that we would take him to see the choo-choo trains after dinner. He was a perfect kid. He ate his food, he colored quietly, he didn't fuss..... we left Yard House and discovered that Train Land closes at six, and it was of course, a little after. The heartbreak began, and it was all my fault. Poor guy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4tio2LqWuw/XBrxSu-3GgI/AAAAAAAAFHs/ZVwZ5j4xzv8ZwtpsveEOESsFEiu2r9-RACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/ImageGen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G4tio2LqWuw/XBrxSu-3GgI/AAAAAAAAFHs/ZVwZ5j4xzv8ZwtpsveEOESsFEiu2r9-RACK4BGAYYCw/s400/ImageGen.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67zulnT7fDU/XBrxdPf6sdI/AAAAAAAAFIE/HhmfGWL2VnQF0oBowpRGXJe5v9zNoLXoACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67zulnT7fDU/XBrxdPf6sdI/AAAAAAAAFIE/HhmfGWL2VnQF0oBowpRGXJe5v9zNoLXoACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1779.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I knew that we had to get to Train Land ASAP. The display is set up in center court directly across from the Nestle Tollhouse Cookies. The entire collection belongs to one man who brings it out and meticulously sets it up for people to see and enjoy.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjKIs-jJ-VM/XBrxdBdstFI/AAAAAAAAFIY/6JlZL59_3Eofd_NVtfC5r3jlxkAhAIgQACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BjKIs-jJ-VM/XBrxdBdstFI/AAAAAAAAFIY/6JlZL59_3Eofd_NVtfC5r3jlxkAhAIgQACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1782.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67zulnT7fDU/XBrxdPf6sdI/AAAAAAAAFIE/HhmfGWL2VnQF0oBowpRGXJe5v9zNoLXoACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-67zulnT7fDU/XBrxdPf6sdI/AAAAAAAAFIE/HhmfGWL2VnQF0oBowpRGXJe5v9zNoLXoACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1779.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The display will be running daily from now until December 30th, so if your toddler (or husband, or parents, or you!) like trains, be sure to stop in and check it out. RT cried when we left because he wanted to stay longer. I wish things in my life were as magical to me as these train sets always are to him. It's so fun to see how excited he gets.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_sRXXu6-Dw/XBrxZTGXSHI/AAAAAAAAFH0/iBylQ5jbL3QaOy1cqjpaChrvU8ERJsEoACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1773.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_sRXXu6-Dw/XBrxZTGXSHI/AAAAAAAAFH0/iBylQ5jbL3QaOy1cqjpaChrvU8ERJsEoACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1773.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/3B9W8NK6FiaNZCZFIzLdwo" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-19670042552554820292018-12-18T09:04:00.001-08:002018-12-18T09:04:12.983-08:00Sand Pit: Botanical Gardens Favorite Places<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akAx0Pcn0NI/W_h2isW2-AI/AAAAAAAAFAc/G5YPrZDhuY8AZLP4hjvKjm_ZXL2E1jPhACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1522.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-akAx0Pcn0NI/W_h2isW2-AI/AAAAAAAAFAc/G5YPrZDhuY8AZLP4hjvKjm_ZXL2E1jPhACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1522.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I've listed a few of our favorite spots in Botanical Gardens, including the butterfly garden and the airplane overlook. This is another one that you don't want to miss. The sand pit, although not an official stop, is exactly what it sounds like. It's a giant pit of sand. It has a slide at the top and tunnels to climb through. There are a few things to climb on and sand toys scattered around. One of the best parts is that there are adirondack chairs scattered around for parents to sit back and relax. There is also a shaded area for warm days.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHMCYk14aWg/W_h2lp_hVLI/AAAAAAAAFAo/xzBhk5B8gDs2hWNZbzPhmtgovqyYaGZ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHMCYk14aWg/W_h2lp_hVLI/AAAAAAAAFAo/xzBhk5B8gDs2hWNZbzPhmtgovqyYaGZ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>You can get to the sand pit by parking in the main parking lot and heading toward the rose gardens. Pass over the bridge and make a right. You'll see the sand pit when the road turns left. It's not actually on the map, as it isn't a garden itself. This spot in the gardens is one of the shortest walks, and it's perfect for a quick weekday afternoon stop or the first stop on a full morning trek.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUCqTnxxclA/W_h2htad93I/AAAAAAAAFAI/wuXLEoch-wc5oLBsan_v5fPWZNQAIjsCgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1525.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UUCqTnxxclA/W_h2htad93I/AAAAAAAAFAI/wuXLEoch-wc5oLBsan_v5fPWZNQAIjsCgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1525.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Whenever people ask me which local membership is the best deal, I never hesitate to say Botanical Gardens. Their two year membership is $165.00. This seems like a lot, but it lasts two years, and it gets in six people in every visit. Unlike many of the memberships, this one doesn't have names on it, so you can bring in different people whenever you come. It also gets you discounts on special events like Latern Asia, the Million Bulb Walk, and the Garden of Lights. It also gets you discounts on classes that they have in the gardens<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmuXXPAPuDM/W_h2ivDCqvI/AAAAAAAAFAg/PrQCDc7VNxA-ooCNHxX4g7q6v2Io_HK0QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1526.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EmuXXPAPuDM/W_h2ivDCqvI/AAAAAAAAFAg/PrQCDc7VNxA-ooCNHxX4g7q6v2Io_HK0QCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1526.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHMCYk14aWg/W_h2lp_hVLI/AAAAAAAAFAo/xzBhk5B8gDs2hWNZbzPhmtgovqyYaGZ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1528.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bHMCYk14aWg/W_h2lp_hVLI/AAAAAAAAFAo/xzBhk5B8gDs2hWNZbzPhmtgovqyYaGZ0gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1528.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/6WO21QtEl9GbQDx7vrpzWL" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-56096859349023898672018-12-11T05:11:00.000-08:002018-12-11T05:11:48.326-08:00She Works Hard for the Mommy v.4<style type="text/css">p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} </style> <br /><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlAbTkaGLz8/W6acz9AESRI/AAAAAAAAEpw/PfKvszS8qPUd4w1mS5ch92hSFhcm6DUSwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20180922-143102_Gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mlAbTkaGLz8/W6acz9AESRI/AAAAAAAAEpw/PfKvszS8qPUd4w1mS5ch92hSFhcm6DUSwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screenshot_20180922-143102_Gallery.jpg" width="192" /><span class="s1"><br /></span></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">Hi all! My name is Mary. I'm originally from New York. I came to Hampton Roads 16 years ago because my father relocated from New York to Cape Charles. I got hired with Norfolk Public Schools teaching kindergarten. I then got my masters in educational leadership at Regent. I have two beautiful little girls ages 7 and 8 and work in West Ghent where my girls attend school. I love being able to see them at lunch and recess each day! It also helps because we are on the same schedule, so I don't have to pay for before or after school care. I now teach first grade and absolutely love the students, staff, and family at my school. The girls and I also live in Ghent and enjoy being able to walk to school together. My biggest challenge as a single mother and teacher is being able to make ends meet.</span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkeX-WK354c/W6adFieIU1I/AAAAAAAAEqE/xe-HRW-npyE1KcIFWoGwd1FRxr_boU1gACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20180922-143228_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QkeX-WK354c/W6adFieIU1I/AAAAAAAAEqE/xe-HRW-npyE1KcIFWoGwd1FRxr_boU1gACK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screenshot_20180922-143228_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1"><br /></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span class="s1"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0HaRL35eUQ/W6adAjdkKPI/AAAAAAAAEp4/DE7ZIzeECQcAf8XmFJlcUTQ8Agbl8ehOACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20180628_172905.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0HaRL35eUQ/W6adAjdkKPI/AAAAAAAAEp4/DE7ZIzeECQcAf8XmFJlcUTQ8Agbl8ehOACK4BGAYYCw/s400/20180628_172905.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lK6yybum3-Y/W6ad5aMDG8I/AAAAAAAAEq0/wwTRPECw8M0SANsOTZCOtACFUgDizBJ1gCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-22%2Bat%2B3.53.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lK6yybum3-Y/W6ad5aMDG8I/AAAAAAAAEq0/wwTRPECw8M0SANsOTZCOtACFUgDizBJ1gCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-22%2Bat%2B3.53.40%2BPM.png" width="335" /><span class="s1"><br /></span></a></div><div class="p1"><span class="s1">To combat that I have a few side hustles. I teach workshops at Kitsch, a shop on Shirley Avenue behind Red Dogs. They sell handmade gifts by Virginia artisans. I also started my little side business of making farmhouse style wooden signs and Trays after being inspired by Fixer-Upper!&nbsp; Recently I began hosting painting birthday parties with my company <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Easy-Peasy-Parties-240822249923777">Easy Peasy Parties</a>.&nbsp;I teamed up with two other talented teachers from Taylor Elementary. One is a baker and the other does hand lettered invitations. The package deal has been a huge hit! Being a teacher and knowing so many kids and families in the has helped spread the word about my service tremendously! Im&nbsp;</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">really excited about how successful the idea has been so far and look forward to helping families have easy, fun, effortless birthday parties in their home!</span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3UxCvV0uM/W6adh_kCInI/AAAAAAAAEqY/pbF-Jz7lWW8M99modLhdbKU6EX-8gufNACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20180921-131429_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJ3UxCvV0uM/W6adh_kCInI/AAAAAAAAEqY/pbF-Jz7lWW8M99modLhdbKU6EX-8gufNACK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screenshot_20180921-131429_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ic2ARgI5M/W6ado2QEO2I/AAAAAAAAEqk/tlG2rVJfk5oinGcTASq-oibeJVVx8_euQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screenshot_20180921-131307_Facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N8ic2ARgI5M/W6ado2QEO2I/AAAAAAAAEqk/tlG2rVJfk5oinGcTASq-oibeJVVx8_euQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screenshot_20180921-131307_Facebook.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iot0fLmAQHk/W6aeFD3rvJI/AAAAAAAAEq8/M8sbbGgHGbkF8m9G1KgDSQGWUFkI-VegwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-22%2Bat%2B3.51.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iot0fLmAQHk/W6aeFD3rvJI/AAAAAAAAEq8/M8sbbGgHGbkF8m9G1KgDSQGWUFkI-VegwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-22%2Bat%2B3.51.56%2BPM.png" width="302" /></a></div><div class="p1" style="text-align: left;">The parties run for two hours. We arrive thirty minutes before for set up and stay thirty minutes after for clean up. We provide the canvases and paints, custom cake/cupcakes/cake pops in a theme of your choice, and personalized hand drawn invitations. So far we have done unicorns, mermaids, emojis, Minecraft, sharks, and puppies, but are always up for the challenge of something new!</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_BZFrt9A_E/W6adVQ2xpTI/AAAAAAAAEqM/jLvansvc_FIr__ExsClEzVTR7WbV90tJgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/imagejpeg_0%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L_BZFrt9A_E/W6adVQ2xpTI/AAAAAAAAEqM/jLvansvc_FIr__ExsClEzVTR7WbV90tJgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/imagejpeg_0%25283%2529.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks Mary! Feel free to contact her for info on a party with Easy Peasy Parties. I love&nbsp;supporting things that other moms and fellow teachers do! It's also cool for a new birthday party idea. If you or someone you know is interested in being featured on "She Works Hard for the Mommy" send me a message! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><style type="text/css">p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; -webkit-text-stroke: #000000} span.s1 {font-kerning: none} </style><br />Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-29997351503467344112018-12-09T07:00:00.001-08:002018-12-09T07:00:58.772-08:00Cinema Cafe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahiMd9OC9zQ/XAM248Ki90I/AAAAAAAAFE8/RRPwIWJN5Y0nh8y8jGjUsefw-yC8REGjQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ahiMd9OC9zQ/XAM248Ki90I/AAAAAAAAFE8/RRPwIWJN5Y0nh8y8jGjUsefw-yC8REGjQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1666.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My first movie was at the Naro. I don't remember it, and I am sure RT won't remember this trip, but I do remember my dad talking about how much fun we had. It was a showing of 101 Dalmatians, and we sat in the balcony. Those who know me outside of the internet, know that I'm a huge cry baby. So, you can imagine that when I thought about that today I had a good cry once the lights went down at this movie. <br /><br /><br />We were going to the Pembroke Cinema and Café. What I had experienced in the past was that the tickets were super cheap, the movies were ones that were no longer in theaters, and you sat&nbsp;in rolling chairs&nbsp;at tables where you could eat. But when we walked in, we were shocked. The whole place has been transformed. The tables and rolling chairs are gone, and they have been replaced&nbsp;with reclining chairs with small desk-like tables on each chair. You select your seats when you purchase and head inside. Also, the movies are movies that are current. I won't lie; I was a little worried that RT wouldn't sit through the movie, and I had brought coloring books and stickers for sitting at the table, so I was a impressed, but a little worried.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NophBQwHLak/XAM298kNqVI/AAAAAAAAFFE/TKaBZHXA8AIM1Wrq760Kir0Vy4DSjSeUACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1667.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NophBQwHLak/XAM298kNqVI/AAAAAAAAFFE/TKaBZHXA8AIM1Wrq760Kir0Vy4DSjSeUACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1667.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>We ordered the pizza, popcorn, soda combo, which turned out to be way too much food for just the three of us, but it was tasty. The popcorn comes with a container of butter that you can add yourself. R sat in my lap which was nice to have the extra tray for the large pizza.&nbsp;</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUFLFnFAiHg/XAM3CCq9hhI/AAAAAAAAFFM/hpVV4Dcu7Vst5VGnk3mrkHp6Hr2WE9LuQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1670.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QUFLFnFAiHg/XAM3CCq9hhI/AAAAAAAAFFM/hpVV4Dcu7Vst5VGnk3mrkHp6Hr2WE9LuQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1670.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Cinema Cafe is locally owned and has several locations all throughout Hampton Roads. They have monthly sensory friendly movies and you can rent out a theater for occasions. They allow birthday parties to come in 45 minutes before the movie starts to do cake and gifts. Be sure to find the booster seats if your little one needs one. Also, sign up for their email list on their website and they will mail you a coupon for a free bucket of popcorn. They update their movie times and shows every Wednesday.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILXgoAA7MmE/XAM3EOO67oI/AAAAAAAAFFU/EVaofylCKDQdzQrID7BYgk0kuIpUf22RQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1669.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILXgoAA7MmE/XAM3EOO67oI/AAAAAAAAFFU/EVaofylCKDQdzQrID7BYgk0kuIpUf22RQCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1669.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div>So, the results... RT did sit through the whole thing. We saw Ralph Breaks the Internet. Halfway through he got a little squirmy and then about thirty minutes before the end he was moving around again. But even with the squirming,&nbsp;he didn't make noise and didn't bother anyone. He happily ate the popcorn and pizza and told us that he had a good time. It was a lovely way to spend a cold and kinda rainy Saturday morning.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Image result for ralph breaks the internet" class="irc_mi" height="640" src="https://www.cineworld.ie/xmedia-cw/repo/feats/posters/HO00005125.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="431" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/1tBkWXrc0adjs6qBPwEp3E" width="300"></iframe></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3565108077951582819.post-31012021901303371592018-12-06T05:21:00.002-08:002018-12-06T05:21:19.947-08:00Menorah Lighting: Mount Trashmore<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjFY-qCfaOU/XAcw_a0YbRI/AAAAAAAAFG0/JBnvl1UZ4oQRL-h3tv7uzgsu4ajZBYJvACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1685.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sjFY-qCfaOU/XAcw_a0YbRI/AAAAAAAAFG0/JBnvl1UZ4oQRL-h3tv7uzgsu4ajZBYJvACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1685.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>We had the best time on the first night of Hanukkah! Hanukkah lasts for eight nights and is about spreading a little light into the world at what can be a dark time. (Literally dark because it's winter and unfortunately, this year has been a particularly dark year for the Jews.) It's also about a small army standing up for what they believe in, and fighting against what's wrong. I always joke that it is the most punk rock Jewish holiday, but seriously- it is. Even the smallest group can make a difference.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VW0N_FG41M/XAcwl9qkRmI/AAAAAAAAFGk/jSk1KDnJmSQjiFwJXCsCpvjyxNzDK1xnwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3VW0N_FG41M/XAcwl9qkRmI/AAAAAAAAFGk/jSk1KDnJmSQjiFwJXCsCpvjyxNzDK1xnwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4648.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><br />We chose to light the first lights this year with 200 others at Mount Trashmore with dancing, singing, food, and fun. There were balloon animals, coloring stations, the traditional latkes (potato pancakes fried in oil) and&nbsp;Sufganiyot (donuts) were served, and a DJ played Hanukkah songs. When I say that RT danced, I mean that the combo of the sugar, the light up&nbsp;dreidel bracelets,&nbsp;and the techno versions of Hanukkah songs worked together to create a dance machine that I had never seen before. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGhSN8IpTgQ/XAcwwteG82I/AAAAAAAAFGs/V6ksjwhk0JInfVZO7k7fT_In84BMjth-wCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1688.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TGhSN8IpTgQ/XAcwwteG82I/AAAAAAAAFGs/V6ksjwhk0JInfVZO7k7fT_In84BMjth-wCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1688.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyK7qFuaqsY/XAcxWKlyb2I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/Wlkj1LGRxS8mewtD9wovWwtzS8WGHDAZgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1687.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyK7qFuaqsY/XAcxWKlyb2I/AAAAAAAAFHQ/Wlkj1LGRxS8mewtD9wovWwtzS8WGHDAZgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1687.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISMoKWsASFU/XAcxTx4ZL3I/AAAAAAAAFHI/lQ_QUzlZ1gMnCgciM9-KglkHP8PA_S3SwCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_4632.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ISMoKWsASFU/XAcxTx4ZL3I/AAAAAAAAFHI/lQ_QUzlZ1gMnCgciM9-KglkHP8PA_S3SwCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_4632.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBNcGumL6pI/XAcxHPePMWI/AAAAAAAAFG8/HBFNE0BLg1Mqkruj4yWhl6uKeSGjo7LvACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1682.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBNcGumL6pI/XAcxHPePMWI/AAAAAAAAFG8/HBFNE0BLg1Mqkruj4yWhl6uKeSGjo7LvACK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1682.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>At sunset we chanted the blessings together led by a local Chabad Rabbi. Chabad is also the organization who put on the <a href="http://toddlinaroundtidewater.blogspot.com/2017/12/home-depot-workshop-menorah-edition.html">Home Depot Menorah building</a> that I wrote about last year. If you're curious at Jewish holidays, they have some events that you may want to check out. Hoping everyone has a Hanukkah filled with light and love!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkkvrdw3NhU/XAcxdIdJEyI/AAAAAAAAFHY/rw4tEI-jrm0LbxIw0japOFafKzn0yvpvgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1695.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zkkvrdw3NhU/XAcxdIdJEyI/AAAAAAAAFHY/rw4tEI-jrm0LbxIw0japOFafKzn0yvpvgCK4BGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1695.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/2tjL9BvmRpa4Ss2WsSRqRv" width="300"></iframe><br /></div>Allena Hurwitzhttps://plus.google.com/106198966807220911737noreply@blogger.com